北上洗牙之後要點護理？
Whether you went up north for a dental clean in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or simply crossed provinces to save a few baht and enjoy cooler weather, post-scaling care is the key to keeping your smile sabai-sabai. After teeth cleaning (especially scaling), gums can feel a bit tender, teeth may be sensitive, and you might notice light bleeding. Don’t worry—jai yen yen. With a calm routine and the right habits, your mouth will settle nicely, and the benefits of that fresh, plaque-free feeling will last longer.
What to expect in the first 24–48 hours
- Mild gum soreness and sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet are common after scaling. This is because tartar has been removed and your roots and gum margins are exposed.
- You may see a little bleeding when you brush or floss. Keep it gentle—this usually passes within a day or two.
- If your dentist did deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), you could have slightly more tenderness. Follow the clinic’s instructions closely.
Food and drink: choose gentle, avoid extremes
- Go for lukewarm drinks and soft foods. Think khao tom (rice soup), congee, bananas, steamed egg, or plain yogurt. Easy-going food helps gums heal.
- Avoid very hot soups and ice-cold drinks for the first 24 hours. Thai iced tea, iced coffee, and super-hot tom yum can trigger sensitivity; keep it warm, not extreme.
- Hold off on spicy, acidic dishes like som tam, gaeng som, vinegar-heavy salads, and carbonated sodas. Acid and chili can irritate healing gums.
- Minimize alcohol and smoking for at least 48 hours. They slow down healing and can worsen sensitivity.
Smart pain and sensitivity management
- If you need pain relief, paracetamol is generally fine. Avoid aspirin right after scaling because it can increase bleeding. Always follow your dentist’s advice.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. You can find Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive, and similar options in any 7-Eleven or pharmacy. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and lightly massage the paste into sensitive areas; don’t rinse for 30 minutes after brushing to let the active ingredients work.
- If your dentist applied fluoride varnish, avoid very hot, hard, or sticky foods for several hours and wait until the next day to brush those areas vigorously.
Rinsing the right way
- Warm saltwater rinses (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 2–3 times a day help soothe gums. Swish gently; don’t gargle aggressively.
- If your clinic gave chlorhexidine mouthwash, use it exactly as instructed (often 7–14 days). It’s effective against bacteria but can stain and slightly alter taste. During this period, reduce heavily colored and spicy foods to limit staining.
Brushing and flossing technique
- Switch to a soft or ultra-soft brush. Use light pressure. The Bass technique—angling the bristles 45 d
egrees at the gum line and making tiny vibrations—cleans effectively without trauma.
- Floss once daily, gently. If your gums were inflamed, start with interdental brushes in the sizes recommended by your dentist. Don’t skip; clean between teeth is the real game-changer for gum health.
- Electric brushes are fine if you keep the pressure low and let the brush do the work.
Eating Thai-style without upsetting your gums
- Choose balanced, non-spicy sets for a couple of days: khao man gai without extra chili, grilled fish without sour dips, boiled vegetables, tofu, or soft fruits. Mango sticky rice is delicious, but the sugar can feed plaque bacteria—keep portions small until gums settle.
- Stay hydrated. Plain water is best. If you sip tea or coffee, keep it warm rather than very hot or iced.
Travel-friendly tips for the trip back south
- Pack a travel brush, desensitizing toothpaste, and a small bottle of saltwater or alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva if you can’t brush right after snacks. Saliva is your natural protection against acidity.
- Avoid sticky dried fruits or hard snacks on the bus/train that can irritate tender gums.
Red flags and when to contact the clinic
- Persistent heavy bleeding beyond 24 hours, severe pain that doesn’t improve, swelling, fever, bad breath with a foul taste, or pus are not mai pen rai situations. Message the clinic on LINE or call directly for advice.
- If you’re returning to another city, ask the northern clinic for a summary of your treatment and any X-rays. Keep digital copies so a dentist down south can continue care smoothly.
Lifestyle tweaks for stronger gums
- If you smoke or vape, this is a perfect moment to cut down or quit. Gums heal better and stay healthier without nicotine.
- If you grind your teeth (common during stressful travel), consider a night guard. Grinding wears enamel and makes sensitivity worse after cleaning.
- Aim for a teeth cleaning schedule every 3–6 months depending on your tartar build-up and gum condition. Same same but different: everyone’s mouth is unique, so stick to the recall time your dentist suggests.
Simple daily routine you can keep
- Morning: brush gently with desensitizing toothpaste, clean between teeth, and drink water first instead of iced coffee.
- Midday: rinse after meals, especially if you had sauces, chili, or acidic drinks.
- Night: brush thoroughly, floss/interdental clean, and dab a little sensitive toothpaste on trouble spots before bed.
The bottom line
Post-scaling care isn’t complicated—just consistent. Keep things lukewarm and gentle, use a sensitive-friendly routine, and give your gums a couple of days to recover. Pair that fresh clean from the north with steady home care, and your smile will stay brighter, your breath fresher, and your next dental visit easier on both your gums and your baht.
