A healthy smile means a healthy you. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months are important for maintaining healthy teeth.
Professional teeth cleaning is quick and easy, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and smooth. However, sometimes your teeth might hurt after a cleaning. So, is this normal? Yes, it is. This blog explains why you might feel some discomfort after a dental cleaning.
What is the Process of Dental Cleaning?
Regular brushing misses some plaque, which hardens into tartar. Professional teeth cleaning removes this with tools, reaching areas your brush can’t. This cleaning might irritate your gums, especially if they’re already inflamed, or you have sensitive teeth.
Why Are Your Teeth More Sensitive After a Dental Cleaning?
Not everyone feels pain after a cleaning, but some people do. Here’s why:
- Gum Recession
Over time, gums can pull away from your teeth. This exposes the root, which is more sensitive than the enamel. When the dentist cleans around the root, it might feel a little sore. - Exposed Tubes
Tubes are tiny pores in your teeth that lead to the nerves. If you have a lot of buildup on your teeth or use sensitive toothpaste, these tubes are usually blocked. During a cleaning, the hygienist removes these blockages, which can leave the tubes open and expose the nerves. - Whitening Treatments
Whitening products clean teeth, but they can also open up those tiny tubes and make teeth feel sensitive. - Deep Cleaning (for Gum Disease)
If you have gum disease, your dentist might do a deep cleaning. This cleaning goes deeper than a regular cleaning and can make your gums swollen and sore.
Tips to Relieve Teeth Sensitivity Symptoms
Most tooth sensitivity after dental cleaning goes away within a week. If the pain lasts longer, see your dentist. It might be a sign of something else.
Here are some tips to feel better after your cleaning:
- Avoid hot, cold, sweet, spicy, or acidic foods and drinks for a while. If you must have something cold, use a straw.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Brush gently with a soft brush. You might need to skip flossing for a day or two but ask your dentist first.
- Visit your dentist. They can prescribe pain relievers or rinses to fight infection and ease pain.
- Eat soft foods. opt for yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soups for a few days.
- Smoking not only stains teeth but also weakens them and increases your risk of infection.
In Closing
Feeling pain or sensitivity after your dental cleaning is normal, but if it’s bothering you a lot, let your dentist know. They can check the sensitivity and recommend ways to ease the discomfort.
Do you want a more comfortable dental cleaning experience? At DentaLand Dentistry of Houston, our dentists use gentle techniques to make cleaning your teeth easier. Call us at (832) 674-8377 to schedule an appointment.