You’ve just spent an hour in the dentist’s chair, dealt with that awful scraping sound, and now your mouth feels like it’s been through a workout. As you run your tongue over your teeth, you can’t help but wince.
What gives? Why do your teeth suddenly feel like they’re on fire every time you breathe or drink something? The good news is, this isn’t some dental mystery.
Tooth sensitivity after a cleaning is totally normal, and there are some pretty straightforward reasons why it happens. We’re going to break down exactly what’s going on in your mouth and how to make it feel better.
What’s Really Happening During a Dental Cleaning?
The majority of individuals take a seat in the dental chair and assume it’s all over in no time with just a simple polish and brush. But let’s clear up a common misconception: your dental hygienist is doing something much more detailed and serious (not to mention time-consuming) when you think you’re only getting a simple clean.
And what is that, exactly? Your dental hygienist is performing a precision deep clean that’s several steps above what you might call a “normal clean.” So you’re not just being brushed and polished, and your gums certainly aren’t being ignored.
What is level 1 for a clean (your home care plus dental visits with your dentist for cleanings every 6-18 months, depending on your oral health) is several notches below what your hygienist is doing. Why is the clean your dental hygienist does so special?
Deep Cleaning Details
Imagine this being done: a deep cleaning, but for your mouth, and not your teeth in particular, but the parts of your mouth that are nearly impossible to keep clean.
Those little tools they use? They are cleansing the parts of your mouth that are nearly impossible to keep clean, nearly impossible for dentists, and hence, by extension, also nearly impossible for the average person to clean.
There’s no doubt when your dentist says that they can see better and reach further into your mouth than you can.
Why Your Teeth Feel So Sensitive After a Cleaning?
Here is something that the majority of people do not recognize: teeth are similar to a residence that has just been stripped to its foundation. When all that accumulation is eliminated, the surfaces underneath become laid bare and defenseless.
The layer that usually protects the tooth has, for the time being, been messed with. That means the nerve endings in the tooth are now more touchy than they usually are.
So, what does this mean for you? Stick basically with the protection; your teeth are going through a bit of a shock.
They’ve been uncovered and unprotected, and now they’re suddenly feeling every temperature and texture more intensely than ever. It’s completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about, yet it might tempt some of you to hightail it back to your dentist near me.
Common Triggers That Make Sensitivity Worse
Some things can really heighten that sensitivity after a tooth cleaning, and here are the worst offenders:
- Consuming drinks that are either scalding hot or icy cold
- Eating very acidic foods, such as those that contain lots of citrus or tomatoes
- Inhaling air that is very cold
- Making contact with teeth using substances or objects that are very hot or very cold
How Long Will This Sensitivity Actually Last?
The majority of patients have 24 to 48 hours of sensitivity before things start returning to normal. While a dental cleaning isn’t overly invasive, it’s still a thorough going-over of your mouth.
However, if you’re experiencing discomfort lasting longer than a week, that might be a signal to check back with your dentist. And remember, some people are more sensitive than others and less able to tolerate the kind of protracted roughing-up that occurs.
Quick Tips to Manage Post-Cleaning Tooth Sensitivity
Let us discuss a few real-world methods for coping with this fleeting aggravation of the teeth:
- Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
- Consume foods and drinks at moderate temperatures.
- Favor soft foods that are at, or near, room temperature.
- Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
- When in cold environments, breathe through your nose to prevent exposing your teeth to cold air.
When to Actually Worry About Tooth Pain
There is a marked contrast between slight post-cleaning unease and true dental agony. Know when to worry:
- Sharp, consistent pain.
- Sensitivity lasting several days beyond the norm.
- Unexplained swelling or bumps.
- Pain with fever or major discomfort.
It is normal to feel mild sensitivity. Your mouth is just healing from a deep cleaning. Think of it like this: if you just worked your muscles hard and they are sore, that’s normal and part of the healing process. This is the same thing, but with your mouth.
Final Words
Tooth sensitivity after a cleaning isn’t fun, but it’s typically a sign that your dental hygienist did a thorough job. Your mouth is basically recovering from a deep-clean workout. Be gentle with your teeth, follow some simple care tips, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
Pro Tip: Always communicate with your dental team. If you’re someone who experiences significant sensitivity, they can adjust their cleaning technique or recommend specific products to help manage your comfort.