A dental cleaning is a vital part of your oral care routine to keep everything healthy. Your dental hygienist is able to remove buildup that you just cannot reach with regular brushing and flossing. They have special tools that allow them to clean just below the gum line and in between teeth that flossing misses.
Why do my teeth hurt after cleaning?
Some patients experience sensitivity or tenderness after a professional cleaning, which is perfectly normal and should subside within a day or two. Your hygienist uses tools to reach areas that you cannot reach, so they are not used to being prodded. If you have severe sensitivity, you may have some degree of gum recession.
Gum recession occurs when plaque and tartar buildup in the gum pockets, the space between the gum tissue and the tooth surface, causing the tissue to pull away from the surface of the tooth. When the buildup is removed, the surface of the tooth that was previously covered by plaque is now clean and exposed, so it might be sensitive for a few days while the gum tissue heals closer to the tooth surface.
If your teeth are hurting or feeling sensitive after home care, you may be brushing and flossing too aggressively, which is quite common and can cause inflammation in the gum tissue. Your diet can also impact tooth sensitivity; acidic foods and beverages can actually erode tooth enamel and make you sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet things.
Can I treat tooth sensitivity?
There are a ton of products available to treat sensitivity. Any oral care products that contain fluoride are a great way to help ease tooth sensitivity. Additionally, your dentist can provide a fluoride treatment in the office, and they can also make fluoride trays that you can use at home.
How do I prevent tooth sensitivity?
You are looking to prevent sensitivity, it is important to make sure that you are using a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush your teeth twice a day. You can also take care to avoid acidic foods and beverages as well as tobacco products. Incorporating oral care products with fluoride can help prevent tooth sensitivity as well.
Patients who have sensitive teeth need to take extra care if they plan on whitening their teeth. Speak with your dentist about sensitivity-reducing products that you can use a few weeks before having your teeth whitened.
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of tooth sensitivity. It can lead to tooth decay or fractured teeth, as well as gum recession, which can lead to tooth loss. Maintaining a good oral care routine at home as well as regular visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning, is vital to maintaining the health and appearance of your teeth.
If you experience sensitivity after a professional cleaning, it is important to be extra gentle with your home care for the next few days, but do not skip it because of tenderness. It is helpful to continue with brushing and flossing to get your gums used to the floss. Patients who do not floss regularly often experience bleeding when they do, and therefore do not make it a habit. But, with continued use, bleeding stops, and patients can floss without any discomfort.
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