Thinking about Root Planing Aftercare? Root planing, often called deep cleaning, is an essential step in treating gum disease and restoring gum health. While the procedure removes harmful bacteria below the gumline, what you do after your appointment plays a major role in how well your gums heal and how stable they remain long term.

At Hollywood Family Dentistry, we help patients understand not only the treatment itself, but also the aftercare steps that support healing and prevent gum disease from returning.

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What to Expect After Root Planing

It is normal to experience sensitivity, tenderness, or mild bleeding after root planing. These symptoms are expected and usually temporary. As inflammation decreases and the gums begin to heal and reattach to the teeth, discomfort typically improves over time.

Some patients may notice increased tooth sensitivity to temperature, especially during the first few days. This usually settles as the gums heal and tighten around the teeth.

Why Home Care Is Essential for Healing

Professional treatment removes bacteria, but daily home care keeps it from returning. Skipping brushing or flossing because of tenderness can slow healing and allow plaque to rebuild along the gumline.

Gentle, consistent cleaning supports tissue recovery and helps stabilize the results of root planing.

Recommended Home Care After Root Planing

After root planing, the way you care for your teeth and gums at home plays a major role in healing. Gentle, consistent oral hygiene helps reduce inflammation, supports gum reattachment, and prevents bacteria from returning.

Recommended home care includes:

Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Using gentle pressure to avoid irritating the gums
Flossing daily to clean along the gumline
Using a water flosser if recommended by your dentist

Consistency is far more important than force. Over time, regular care reduces inflammation and strengthens gum tissue.

Salt Water Rinses for Comfort and Healing

Warm salt water rinses can be very soothing after root planing. They help calm irritated tissues, reduce inflammation, and support healing. Rinse gently as needed, especially during the first few days following treatment.

Is Mouthwash Necessary After Root Planing?

In most cases, medicated or over-the-counter mouthwashes are not required unless specifically recommended. Gentle brushing, flossing, and salt water rinses are usually sufficient for healing.

Using strong mouthwashes without guidance may irritate sensitive gums during the healing phase.

Diet Tips After Root Planing

During the first few days after root planing, softer foods are often more comfortable. Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that may irritate sensitive gums. Staying hydrated and choosing gentle foods can support healing and reduce discomfort.

Regular maintenance visits help by:

Removing bacteria below the gumline
Monitoring gum healing and stability
Preventing inflammation from returning
Adjusting care before problems worsen

As sensitivity improves, you can gradually return to your normal diet.

Smoking and Gum Healing

Smoking or using tobacco products can significantly slow gum healing after root planing. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for tissues to repair and increasing the risk of recurring gum disease.

Avoiding smoking during the healing period—and ideally long term—greatly improves treatment success.

Consistency With Dental Visits Matters Most

Root planing is not a one-time solution. Ongoing care with your dental team is one of the most important factors in long-term gum health. Skipping follow-up or maintenance visits can allow bacteria and inflammation to return.

Regular monitoring helps catch problems early and keeps gum disease under control.

Maintenance Helps Prevent Gum Disease Flare-Ups

Scheduled periodontal maintenance appointments allow bacteria to be removed before flare-ups occur. These visits also allow your dentist and hygienist to track healing and adjust care as needed.

When combined with good home care, maintenance visits help keep gums healthy and stable over time.

Supporting Gum Health Long Term in Portland

Healthy gums require a balance of professional care and daily habits. With proper aftercare, consistent home hygiene, and regular maintenance, many patients successfully manage gum disease and protect their oral health long term.

At Hollywood Family Dentistry, we focus on education, prevention, and personalized care to help patients maintain healthy gums and confident smiles. If you have questions about root planing aftercare or need ongoing periodontal maintenance, our team is here to help.

Contact Hollywood Family Dentistry today to schedule your gum care service in Portland and take the next step toward healthier, more stable gums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Planing Aftercare

How long does it take for gums to heal after root planing?

Healing usually begins within a few days after root planing and continues over several weeks. Mild sensitivity or tenderness is normal at first and typically improves as inflammation decreases and the gums reattach to the teeth.

Is sensitivity normal after root planing?

Yes, tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness are common after root planing. These symptoms are temporary and generally improve as your gums heal and become healthier.

Should I continue brushing and flossing after root planing?

Yes, gentle brushing and daily flossing are essential after root planing. Avoiding oral hygiene can slow healing and allow bacteria to return. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle pressure to protect sensitive gums.

Are salt water rinses helpful after deep cleaning?

Warm salt water rinses can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritated gums, and support healing after root planing. Gentle rinsing is especially helpful during the first few days following treatment.

Do I need to use mouthwash after root planing?

Mouthwash is not usually necessary unless your dentist specifically recommends it. Gentle brushing, flossing, and salt water rinses are often enough to support proper healing.

Can smoking affect gum healing after root planing?

Yes, smoking can significantly slow gum healing after root planing. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums and increases the risk of gum disease returning.

Is root planing a one-time treatment?

No, root planing is not a one-time solution. Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits are important to keep bacteria under control and maintain long-term gum health.

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Root Planing Aftercare: How to Help Gums Heal