Teeth sensitivity after a scale and polish

As you know, good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are also important. Not only will the dentist look at the health of your teeth but they’ll also give your teeth a professional clean too. While these cleans are quick and painless, they can sometimes leave your teeth feeling temporarily more sensitive. If this does happen, the sensitivity will reduce in the days after the appointment and does not indicate anything serious.

Deep cleans

While not every visit will involve a deep clean by your dentist, you are more likely to need a deep clean if your gums have started to recede, leaving pockets where plaque can get trapped. The dentist will remove tartar and rough bacteria that have calcified on your teeth in these pockets.

You may notice that before a deep clean at your dentist’s, the gums may feel inflamed and swollen and have deep pockets of bacteria. The clean will help resolve this but you may notice some bleeding or discomfort initially.

Caring for teeth after a deep clean

If you take good care of your teeth after a deep clean, you can help your gums to heal more quickly. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush your teeth and wait a few days before flossing. A sensitive teeth toothpaste can also help alleviate discomfort. Try to avoid foods or drinks initially that might set off your sensitivity. If you find that your teeth are still sensitive three or four weeks after the deep clean or have any concerns, speak to your dentist.

Ways to avoid sensitivity

An easy way to avoid tooth sensitivity after a deep clean is to find ways to improve your oral hygiene routine. The obvious ways are to continue brushing twice a day with a soft brush and flossing every day and using fluoride toothpaste but you should also avoid overly aggressive or hard scrubbing when brushing. Avoiding acidic food and drinks and those at extremes of temperature can also be beneficial. If you grind your teeth, it might be worth speaking to your dentist about a mouthguard. This is worn at night and will stop you from grinding your teeth and therefore protect against sensitivity.

While the sensation of feeling sensitivity in your teeth can feel very uncomfortable, it’s perfectly normal to feel it after cleaning, and it’s usually only temporary. If you find that your symptoms are lasting longer than a few weeks, you should make an appointment to see your dentist to talk about your concerns.

Temporarily heightened sensitivity is not a reason to avoid a deep cleaning at your dentist’s. Deep cleans are an easy and excellent way to maintain oral health and prevent cavities. Any discomfort you feel is normal and temporary and will ultimately help you create a better smile.

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