The tartar that was covering exposed root surfaces has been removed, temporarily increasing sensitivity to hot, cold, and air. Think of it like removing a blanket from the tooth surface — it takes a little time for the area to settle. This usually resolves within 1–2 weeks, and using a sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne can help speed things along.

Yes, mild bleeding when brushing or flossing for a day or two after a clean is normal, especially if there was significant tartar buildup or inflamed gums. Keep brushing and flossing gently — your gums will tighten up and improve as they heal. If bleeding continues beyond a couple of days, contact us.

Most patients benefit from a professional clean every 6 months. If you have gum disease, are prone to heavy tartar buildup, or have other risk factors, we may recommend more frequent visits — sometimes every 3–4 months. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend the right interval for your situation.

Your teeth may feel unusually smooth, almost slippery, after a clean — this is because the tartar and plaque buildup has been removed, and you are feeling your actual tooth surface. Your tongue will get used to the smooth feeling within a day or two. Some patients also notice small gaps between teeth that were previously filled with tartar.

If no fluoride treatment was applied, you can eat and drink immediately. If fluoride was applied, wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or rinsing to give the fluoride time to absorb into your teeth. If your teeth are feeling sensitive, you may want to avoid very hot or very cold foods for the first day or two.

Fluoride varnish can leave a slightly gritty or unpleasant taste that fades within a few hours. Try not to rinse it away too soon — the longer it stays on your teeth, the more benefit you get. You can drink water if needed, but avoid eating, brushing, or rinsing vigorously for 30 minutes after application.

Post-cleaning sensitivity typically settles within 1–2 weeks. If you had a deep clean (scaling and root planing), sensitivity may last a few days longer as the gums heal and tighten around the teeth. Applying sensitive toothpaste directly to the affected areas and leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing can help accelerate relief.

Continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once a day — even if your gums are slightly tender. Gentle saltwater rinses can soothe tender gums for the first couple of days. This is actually the perfect time to establish good habits, as your teeth are starting from a clean baseline.

A deep clean (scaling and root planing) is recommended when tartar has built up below the gum line, which is a sign of gum disease. A regular clean only addresses buildup above the gum line. The deep clean removes bacteria and tartar from the root surfaces to help your gums heal and reattach to the teeth. It is an important treatment to prevent further gum and bone loss.