Gums recede after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) primarily because the reduction of infection allows swollen, diseased gum tissue to shrink back to a healthy, tighter position, revealing the root surfaces and gaps previously hidden by tartar. This is a normal healing process where the gum tissue tightens and reattaches to the teeth after tartar removal.
Aggressive scaling techniques
– Aggressive scaling can cause the gums to become inflamed, swollen, and tender. In severe cases, it may even result in gingival recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots and increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay.
While receding gums can not grow back, several dental treatments can correct the problem by reattaching the gums to the tooth or taking soft tissue from elsewhere in the body and replacing the missing gum.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says you could experience discomfort for a day or two after deep cleaning. Your gums might remain sensitive for up to a week. Full healing of the gums can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Gum disease is the top contributor of receding gums. If you have a condition, such as periodontitis, it can cause destructive gum inflammation and lead to gum recession. You can learn about your personal risk of having gum disease with this Gum Disease Risk Assessment quiz.
If you have receding gums, brushing your teeth correctly with an electric toothbrush is essential. Here are a few tips: Avoid brushing too hard – this can cause further damage to the gums and may worsen the recession.
Vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is important for everyone because it's the nutrient that creates collagen, grows and repairs cells, keeps your immune system strong, and reduces blood sugar. Many studies demonstrate that vitamin C deficiency leads to periodontal disease.
Be Gentle With Your Mouth
Your gums need a little time to recover from the dental cleaning. For the next day or two, be extra gentle when you brush and floss. It is very important to continue your oral hygiene routine, as this removes bacteria and helps the healing process, but just do it with a lighter touch.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only good for your teeth; it's an excellent vitamin for gums, too. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place—which means deficiencies can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.
After deep cleaning, your gums and mouth will feel tender and sensitive. It's therefore important to avoid eating hard, crunchy, hot, cold, chewy, spicy, and acidic foods and beverages as they can irritate your gums and worsen your discomfort.
15 Foods to Avoid with Receding Gums
Many dental insurance policies cover at least part of the cost of medically necessary gum graft procedures since they may be required to stop further gum recession. Failing to stop gum recession can lead to downsides like: Higher risk of decay. Potential tooth loss.
What Foods to Avoid After Receding Gums Treatment
While some sensitivity during dental cleanings is normal, consistently rough or painful cleanings may indicate a lack of skill or care. A good dental hygienist should be gentle yet thorough, removing plaque and tartar without causing unnecessary discomfort.
The 2-2-2 rule for brushing teeth is a simple dental care guideline: brush your teeth 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each time, and visit your dentist 2 times a year (every six months) for checkups and cleanings, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.
Green Tea. For centuries, green tea has been consumed to decrease swelling and prevent gum disease, but it can also help restore gum tissue through new growth, making it an important aid and treatment after gums have receded.
To maintain healthy teeth, taking vitamins such as C, D, K, and A helps protect gums and support healthy enamel. Minerals that restore teeth and gums include calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Pairing these nutrients with professional dental care ensures a healthier smile.
In addition to brushing and flossing, consider using a gum massager or rubber tip stimulator to stimulate blood flow and promote gum health. Gently massage your gums with the tool in circular motions, focusing on areas that feel tender or inflamed.
The "3-3-3 dental rule" usually refers to two different things: a hygiene habit (brush 3x a day, 3 mins each, change brush every 3 months) or a temporary pain relief method for toothaches (3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better cleaning, while the pain rule manages inflammation until a dentist can be seen, but the medication rule requires caution and should be discussed with a doctor.
Increased sensitivity to sweets and hot or cold foods may occur and is normal. We recommend using a sensitive toothpaste (like Sensodyne, ProEnamel, Prevident, etc) or using a fluoride mouthwash to help alleviate this over time. Save a trip to the store and snag some Prevident Toothpaste at our front desk!
A dental deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to treat gum disease and help gums reattach to teeth. Does a deep cleaning mean I have gum disease? Yes, deep cleaning is usually prescribed when gum disease is present, especially in its early to moderate stages.
Poor Oral Hygiene
This means that plaque is likely to accumulate in these locations. If plaque is left undisturbed for long enough, then it hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and can only be removed with special dental tools. Plaque and tartar both irritate the gums, causing gum recession.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.