why teeth hurt after cleaning

Why Teeth Hurt After Cleaning?

Few things in this world are more important than maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings play a critical role in keeping teeth and gums healthy. However, it is not uncommon for people to experience tooth sensitivity or pain after a dental cleaning, and this is a concern that dentists frequently hear from their patients. While this discomfort is usually temporary and nothing to worry about, it is natural to wonder why teeth hurt after cleaning. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide strategies to mitigate any pain or sensitivity you may experience.

Understanding Dental Cleanings

Before we dive into the reasons behind tooth pain after cleaning, let's take a moment to review what a dental cleaning entails. A dental cleaning is a professional deep cleaning of your teeth and gums that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have built up over time. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape and polish your teeth while also flossing them to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. While this deep cleaning can be beneficial for your oral health, it can also cause discomfort or sensitivity in some individuals.

Reasons Why Teeth Hurt After Cleaning

While tooth sensitivity and pain after a dental cleaning are relatively common, it's important to understand why this happens. Here are some of the reasons why your teeth may be hurting after a cleaning:

1. Sensitivity Due to the Removal of Plaque and Tartar

When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can irritate your gums and cause inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. During a dental cleaning, the hygienist removes this buildup to prevent these serious issues from developing. However, once this buildup is removed, it can cause some sensitivity or discomfort in your teeth.

2. Irritation of the Gums

During a dental cleaning, your gums may become irritated due to the scraping and polishing of your teeth. This irritation can cause your gums to feel sore or tender, which can lead to pain or sensitivity in your teeth.

3. Exposed Dentin

If you have gum recession or other issues, this can lead to exposed dentin. When dentin becomes exposed, it can cause sensitivity or pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods and beverages. A dental cleaning can sometimes exacerbate this issue, leading to additional sensitivity and discomfort after the procedure.

4. Dental Procedures

If you have recently had dental work done, such as a filling or root canal, it can lead to tooth sensitivity after a dental cleaning. This is because your teeth may still be recovering from the previous dental procedure, and a cleaning can irritate the area further.

5. Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, you may experience pain and sensitivity after a dental cleaning. This is because the deep cleaning may cause your gums to bleed and become tender, leading to discomfort in your teeth.

Mitigating Tooth Pain After Cleaning

Thankfully, there are several strategies you can use to mitigate any tooth sensitivity or pain you may experience after a dental cleaning. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Use a Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste

Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate any discomfort you may feel after a cleaning. These toothpastes contain ingredients that reduce sensitivity in your teeth, making them less likely to hurt after a dental cleaning.

2. Avoid Hot or Cold Foods

If you're experiencing sensitivity after a cleaning, it's best to avoid hot or cold foods and beverages as they can exacerbate the issue. Opt for room-temperature foods and drinks instead.

3. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent any further irritation to your gums and teeth. A soft-bristled brush is gentle on your teeth, yet still effective at removing plaque and bacteria.

4. Rinse with Warm Saltwater

Rinsing with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in your gums. This can help alleviate any pain or sensitivity you may be experiencing after a dental cleaning.

5. Talk to Your Dentist

If you are experiencing significant pain or sensitivity after a dental cleaning, it's important to talk to your dentist. They can assess the issue and provide additional recommendations to help alleviate the issue.

In conclusion, tooth sensitivity and pain after a dental cleaning is relatively common and typically nothing to worry about. Understanding the reasons why your teeth may be hurting after a cleaning, as well as following these helpful tips, can help mitigate any discomfort you may experience. Don't hesitate to consult with your dentist if the issue persists or becomes too severe.