My Teeth Hurt After Cleaning
If you have not had a professional teeth cleaning in a few years, you may be in for an uncomfortable dental visit. But some discomfort or pain after teeth cleaning is a common problem for many people. Dental patients often report minor sensitivity or discomfort issues after teeth cleaning.
What is the reason? A typical teeth cleaning—the removal of plaque and tartar from around and between your teeth and gums—is more vigorous than daily brushing and flossing. During teeth cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist applies more pressure than usual to your teeth. That can cause teeth sensitivity and irritation to your gums.
What can you do? Read on for more information on why you may experience pain or discomfort following a routine teeth cleaning and for suggestions to help you manage the issue.
Treating Sensitivity After Teeth Cleaning
If you already have sensitivity issues with your teeth, talk with your dentist about methods of managing discomfort. Ultimately, the best approach is taking good care of your teeth and gums with twice-daily brushing, flossing at least once a day, and using fluoride mouthwash. Your dentist may make one or more recommendations for helping you alleviate sensitivity and discomfort, both before and after teeth cleaning:
- Toothpaste for Sensitivity. Many toothpaste brands are specifically formulated for people with sensitive teeth.
- Brush Gently. Making small changes in your daily teeth cleaning routine, such as using a soft toothbrush and brushing gently, can help you make progress in easing sensitivity and discomfort.
- Fluoride Mouth Rinse. Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash helps re-mineralize and harden the surfaces of your teeth and cleanse your gums, which can reduce sensitivity and discomfort.
Talk with your dentist if pain during teeth cleaning is significantly bothering you. He or she will determine the level of sensitivity you are experiencing and suggest strategies to help. Additionally, your dentist may use an alternative approach to teeth cleaning so it is not so uncomfortable for you.
Follow-Up Care After Your Visit
If you have not seen a dentist for more than a year or even several years, you can expect the same dedicated care as a routine dental appointment, but more time will be required to complete your visit. The longer you wait between dental appointments, the more likely it is that hard tartar will build up on your teeth and around your gum line.
You might experience discomfort while having tartar removed, but the reward is that your teeth will feel clean and smooth afterward. When your dentist probes your teeth and checks your gums for gaps or pockets, you may experience minor pain and bleeding, but both should quickly go away.
If your mouth is still sore after your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Call your dental office if sensitivity, soreness, discomfort, or pain persists, or if your face or jaw becomes swollen.
Having a regular schedule of teeth cleaning visits is essential in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. See your dentist at least once a year, but preferably twice a year, so you can avoid more serious issues that can result if you delay teeth cleaning and dental care. And if you are not already doing so, practice good dental habits—brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and using fluoride mouthwash—so your follow-up visits will be easier and stress-free.
Related Article: How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost?