Can I eat after just having my teeth cleaned?

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 21 years old and just had my teeth cleaned. I would like to know whether I can eat right after a teeth cleaning.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao

In general, you can eat after a teeth cleaning, but there are some注意事项.

Typically, you can eat about half an hour after teeth cleaning. However, for a short period following the procedure, your teeth may be more sensitive to hot or cold stimuli, and your gums might feel slightly uncomfortable. Therefore, it is recommended to initially choose warm, soft foods such as lukewarm porridge, soft noodles, and tofu, while avoiding excessively cold, hot, sour, sweet, or spicy and irritating foods to prevent tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

Additionally, the surface of the teeth may have some minor scratches after cleaning. With the removal of plaque and tartar, teeth may be relatively more "vulnerable." At this time, you should avoid eating overly hard foods such as nuts and bones to prevent damaging the tooth surface or causing gum bleeding. Moreover, it is important to rinse your mouth promptly after eating to maintain oral hygiene and preserve the effects of teeth cleaning and overall oral health.

If you experience persistent discomfort or pain after teeth cleaning, promptly contact your dentist for consultation to rule out any potential complications. You can eat after teeth cleaning, but you should pay attention to food choices and eating habits to protect your teeth from damage, reinforce the results of the cleaning, and maintain good oral health.