How long after teeth cleaning can you eat?
Generally, it is safe to eat 30 minutes to one hour after a teeth cleaning, but you should avoid foods that are extremely cold, hot, acidic, hard, or irritating. The details are as follows:
During the cleaning process, ultrasonic instruments remove tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces, which may temporarily leave the tooth surface slightly roughened. Additionally, gums may become mildly sensitive or swollen due to the cleaning. Eating immediately afterward—especially consuming very cold or hot foods such as ice drinks or hot soup—can worsen tooth sensitivity. Hard foods like nuts or bones may damage the tooth surface, while spicy or acidic foods such as chili peppers or vinegar can irritate the gums and cause discomfort. Waiting 30 minutes to one hour allows the teeth and gums to gradually adjust to the post-cleaning condition, reducing discomfort when eating. It's advisable to initially consume lukewarm, soft foods such as porridge, noodles, or soft bread, and to avoid biting food directly with the front teeth.
If gum sensitivity or bleeding persists for more than two days after cleaning, or if significant pain occurs, a follow-up visit to the dentist is recommended for evaluation of your oral health.