Scaling and root planing is a common dental procedure that treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline. This deep cleaning helps restore gum health. Your diet after this procedure is important for proper healing and comfort. This guide provides advice on eating habits during recovery.
Immediate Post-Procedure Eating Guidelines
After scaling and root planing, wait until local anesthesia completely wears off before eating or drinking. This usually takes one to two hours, but can vary. Eating while numb risks accidentally biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue, causing injury. Waiting ensures you regain full sensation, preventing trauma to delicate tissues.
Once sensation returns, focus on consuming very soft or liquid foods. Your gums and teeth may feel sensitive or sore, making chewing difficult. A soft diet minimizes irritation and allows gum tissues to heal. Also, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, as your teeth may experience increased sensitivity.
Recommended Foods and Those to Avoid
For the first 24 to 48 hours, a diet of liquids and soft foods is ideal to prevent irritation and support healing. Nutrient-rich options include:
Lukewarm soups (without large chunks)
Protein drinks and smoothies
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Applesauce
Bananas
Soft cooked rice
Oatmeal
These foods are gentle on sensitive gums and contribute to your overall nutritional intake, which is important for recovery.
Certain foods should be avoided to prevent complications and discomfort. Crunchy items like nuts, chips, popcorn, and hard bread crusts can irritate tender gums or dislodge healing tissues. Sticky or chewy foods, such as caramels or gummy candies, can adhere to treated areas and complicate oral hygiene. Spicy foods, acidic items like citrus fruits and tomatoes, and carbonated beverages can cause pain and hinder healing by irritating sensitive gum tissues.
Supporting Healing Through Diet
Beyond immediate post-procedure eating, ongoing dietary choices play a role in promoting optimal healing and preventing complications. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is beneficial, as it helps cleanse the mouth and supports overall tissue health. Adequate hydration also aids in saliva production, which is a natural defense mechanism for your oral cavity.
Avoiding irritants like alcohol and tobacco products is important during the healing phase. Alcohol can dehydrate tissues and interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanisms, while tobacco use can significantly slow down recovery and increase the risk of complications. Maintaining consistent, gentle oral hygiene, even when your mouth feels sensitive, is also key. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods back into your diet as comfort allows, typically within a week, ensuring they do not cause discomfort or disrupt the healing sites. Your body needs sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals to repair tissues and reduce inflammation, making a balanced diet a valuable component of your recovery.