- Tender gums and cold sensitivity for 1–2 weeks is normal
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day for up to a week
- Daily brushing and flossing is the most important thing you can do after this treatment
- Sensitivity toothpaste works best at bedtime — no water, nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes after
If we've recommended scaling and root planing — sometimes called a "deep cleaning" — it's to treat gum disease and calm down the inflammation in your gums. The good news? Most patients have little or no discomfort afterward.
Here's what's normal and how to feel your best while you heal.
What's Normal Afterward
Most patients feel just fine. The most common things people notice are tender gums and some sensitivity to cold foods and drinks. As your gums heal, you'll likely notice them tighten up and become less swollen, red, and puffy. That's a great sign — it means the treatment is working. A little extra sensitivity to cold is normal too. It usually clears up within 1–2 weeks. A sensitivity toothpaste, a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, or a fluoride mouthwash can all help. You can expect to feel a real difference after using a sensitivity toothpaste for about 2 weeks.
Taking Care of Your Gums
A few simple things will help you heal faster and keep gum disease from coming back:
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day for up to a week. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
- Take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen (Advil) if you need it.
- Brush and floss every day. This is the single most important thing you can do to stop gum disease from getting worse.
How to Use Sensitivity Toothpaste
If we recommended a sensitivity toothpaste, here's the trick to getting the most out of it: Use it 1–2 times a day after your normal routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Don't add water — just brush the toothpaste onto your teeth and spit out the extra. Then don't eat, drink, rinse, or use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes. This toothpaste only works while it's sitting on your teeth, so if you wash it away, it won't do its job. For most people, right before bed is the best time to use it.
What to Avoid
- Smoking — hold off as long as you can, at least 24–48 hours, to help your gums heal.
- Eating while you're numb, so you don't bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
- Hard foods like chips, popcorn, or anything with seeds that can get stuck in your gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Cold sensitivity is one of the most common things after a deep cleaning, and it usually settles down within 1–2 weeks.
That's healing! As the inflammation goes down, your gums tighten up and look healthier. It's exactly what we want to see.
Most discomfort is mild and short-lived. Cold sensitivity usually fades within a couple of weeks, especially with a sensitivity toothpaste.
Yes — gently. Daily brushing and flossing is the best way to keep gum disease from coming back.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.