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How long after going to the dentist can I eat?

Writer Sarah Silva

If you have a regular cleaning of your teeth, it is possible to go ahead and eat food following the procedure, except if you have also had a fluoride treatment. If you’ve received treatment with fluoride, then you must wait 30 minutes prior to eating. The fluoride takes time to be effective in order for it to get absorbed into your teeth.

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The majority of people should have their teeth cleaned once each year to catch and avoid problems like gingivitis, dental cavities, and other ailments that affect the mouth. If you plan to eat or drink during the cleaning, make sure to stay clear of drinks and foods that contain abrasive or acidic substances. If you notice sensitivity following your dental cleaning, ensure that you eat warm and soft foods to prevent discomfort. Also, should your gums be bleeding or sensitive, foods can cause irritation.

Cleaning / Fluoride

Recommended waiting time 30 minutes

It is not necessary to wait for any time in order to eat food following a dental cleaning. However, certain people’s teeth may be sensitive following the procedure, and to prevent unnecessary pain, it is advised to avoid extreme cold or hot temperatures and food that is hard since some people’s dental teeth hurt when they consume anything cold or hot.

A few foods you may be advised to stay clear of for a time after having your teeth cleaned are:

  • Spicy
  • Crunchy
  • Sticky
  • Citrus
  • Cold

Foods that you can eat without any problems after washing include:

  • Soft food items like potato mash, yogurt applesauce, hummus, goat cheese
  • Soup
  • Boiled eggs

In the course of cleaning or right after the cleaning is a great moment to have an appointment for a fluoride treatment. Fluoride makes the enamel of your teeth stronger by replacing minerals eliminated from your teeth over time. If you’ve had cosmetic dentistry treatments like a cleaning or fluoride treatment, drinking and eating immediately following the treatment can remove any fluoride treatments. It’s true; you should not rinse until at the very least thirty minutes following the procedure. It is especially important to stay clear of tough, sticky, or acidic foods since they can further cause damage.