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Deep Cleaning Aftercare

Just had a deep cleaning? Here is how to stay comfortable and keep your gums healing. Call us at our Overland Park or Olathe office with any concerns.

Have Questions? Call Us
Medically reviewed by Nick Natanov, DDS, MBA · June 2026

What should you do after a deep cleaning?

A little tenderness is normal. These steps keep you comfortable while your gums heal.

Manage Soreness

Your gums may feel tender for a day or two. Over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.

Expect Some Sensitivity

Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is common and usually fades within a week or two.

Soft Foods at First

Choose soft, lukewarm foods for the rest of the day. Avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.

Rinse with Salt Water

Gently rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day to soothe the gums and keep the area clean.

Brush and Floss Gently

Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated areas. Good home care keeps gum disease from returning.

Minor Bleeding Is Normal

A little bleeding when you brush over the next few days is normal as your gums heal and tighten.

Avoid Smoking

Avoid smoking and tobacco, which slow healing and are a major risk factor for gum disease.

Keep Your Follow Up

Attend your maintenance visits so we can check healing and keep your gums healthy.

Learn more about gum disease treatmentView →

What does recovery look like after a deep cleaning?

A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease below the gumline. Here is what to expect as your gums heal.

Day 1
Your gums may feel tender, and numbness from anesthetic can linger at first. Eat soft, lukewarm foods and manage soreness with over the counter pain relief.
Days 2 to 3
Tenderness and sensitivity to hot and cold are common. Rinse gently with warm salt water and keep brushing and flossing carefully.
First week
Soreness fades and your gums begin to tighten back around the teeth. Minor bleeding when brushing can still happen.
Ongoing
Healthy habits and regular maintenance visits keep gum disease from returning. Sensitivity usually settles within a couple of weeks.

What is normal, and when should you call us?

This is normal

  • Tender or sore gums for a day or two
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold for a week or two
  • Minor bleeding when brushing as the gums heal
  • Gums looking slightly different as they tighten

Call us right away if

  • Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop
  • Pain or swelling that gets worse after a few days
  • A fever, or pus or a bad taste from the gums
  • Sensitivity or discomfort that keeps getting worse

Call (913) 948-9488 (Overland Park) or (913) 247-1315 (Olathe).

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to heal after a deep cleaning?+
Most soreness fades within a few days, and gums usually feel back to normal within one to two weeks as they tighten around the teeth.
Why are my teeth sensitive after scaling and root planing?+
Removing tartar from below the gumline can briefly expose more of the tooth, which leads to temporary hot and cold sensitivity. It usually settles within a couple of weeks.
What can I eat after a deep cleaning?+
Choose soft, lukewarm foods for the rest of the day and avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods. You can return to normal eating as your gums feel comfortable.
Can I brush and floss after a deep cleaning?+
Yes, and you should. Brush and floss gently around the treated areas. Good daily home care is the most important thing for keeping gum disease from coming back.
Is bleeding normal after a deep cleaning?+
A little bleeding when you brush over the next few days is normal as your gums heal. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, call us.

Our sources

The guidance on this page reflects recommendations from leading dental and medical organizations.

American Dental AssociationMouthHealthy guide to scaling and root planingVisit →American Academy of PeriodontologyNon-surgical periodontal treatment overviewVisit →

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental care.

Overland Park (913) 948-9488 Olathe (913) 247-1315