If you've visited your dentist's office for a cleaning and you have signs of gum inflammation, it's common for your dentist to want to know how healthy your gums are. One of the methods that he or she will use is to have a dental hygienist measure the periodontal pockets—the tiny gaps between the teeth and the gums, which grow as your gum inflammation worsens. The process of measuring these pockets isn't overly pleasant; the hygienist will slide a small metal instrument between the tooth and gum to assess the depth, and then record how deep the instrument goes. Although any discomfort that you experience will subside before long, you'll want to make some smart dietary choices for a while. Here are some foods to avoid.

Vinegar-Heavy Foods

After your dental hygienist has measured your periodontal pockets, your gums will feel a little raw. The last thing that you want to do is expose them to foods that will irritate them, and foods that contain vinegar are definitely on this list. If you'll be having fries after your appointment, don't top them with vinegar. Be wary of coleslaw and green salads, given the vinegar in their salad dressings.

Sharp Foods

It's ideal to focus on soft foods after you've had your periodontal pockets assessed because foods that have sharper corners can jab into your gums and irritate them while you chew. Assess the sharpness of any food before you eat it. One example is nacho chips, which have hard and sharp points that can be uncomfortable to eat. Snacks such as pretzels are also best to avoid for a little while, given the hard points that they have.

Spicy Foods

You'll also want to stay away from spicy foods after you've had this procedure done at the dentist. Spicy foods can irritate your gums, which is bad news when they're already feeling a little sore. Hot sauces, spicy seasonings, and even spicy products such as ginger should stay off your plate until your gums are feeling better. Eating after you've had your periodontal pockets checked doesn't have to be difficult, but you do need to be aware of what you put in your mouth. Sticking to softer foods, such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, and other similar things can be easy to eat in your situation. Don't hesitate to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for some other dietary recommendations after your periodontal pocket assessment or to ask any other dentistry questions.