Smiling young woman receiving dental checkup.

Sensitive teeth after cleaning

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

Practising great oral care not only involves brushing twice a day and flossing daily – it also means visiting your oral care provider for a professional cleaning every six months. While these visits usually are painless and quick, they can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive, especially if you received a deep cleaning. Luckily, over time these sensations will fade and do not indicate anything serious. Read on if you’ve ever wondered ‘why are my teeth sensitive after cleaning?’ and what you can do if this feeling lasts longer than expected.

Why are my teeth sensitive after a cleaning?

During a professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will use pressure, along with a range of tools to scrape and remove the plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along the gumline. This process is much more in depth than regular brushing and flossing and your teeth won’t be used to it. Because of this, you may feel some tooth sensitivity after hygienist appointments for a day or two, especially if you already suffer from sensitive teeth.

Deep cleaning

Not every dental visit will involve a deep cleaning, but you may feel your teeth sensitive after cleaning if you do receive this procedure. You should get your teeth professionally cleaned around every 6 months, but you may also need a deep cleaning if you’re showing signs of gum disease or gingivitis. When your oral care provider performs this procedure, which is also known as scaling and root planing, they’ll remove tartar and rough bacteria that have calcified on your teeth in these pockets. According to Bupa, scaling is when your oral care provider removes the plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas using special tools. Planing is when they smooth out your teeth’s roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

Before a deep-cleaning session, your gums may be inflamed and swollen or have deep pockets infected with bacteria. Both scaling and root planing help treat these problems, but these treatments can hurt your teeth and cause discomfort or bleeding. The dentist may offer a local anaesthetic if your deep cleaning is likely to cause you more severe pain.

What happens next?

It’s normal to feel tooth sensitivity after hygienist appointments; in fact half of patients can expect some degree of sensitivity. Soreness and pain may also linger for a few days as your gums may be swollen or bleed. Your oral care provider may prescribe an antibiotic or mouth rinse to manage any pain and fight any possible infections.

Caring for deep-cleaned teeth

Taking good care of your teeth after a deep-cleaning treatment helps your gums heal by reducing the common triggers of pain and sensitivity. Wait at least a day before flossing, and brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush while your gums are still sore. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help treat and prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid eating foods or drinking liquids that can trigger sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive three or four weeks after treatment or you have other concerns, contact your dentist for a follow-up visit. Your dentist can check if your gums are healing well.

How to avoid teeth sensitivity

If you feel your teeth sensitive after cleaning, look for ways to improve your current day-to-day oral care routine. In addition to brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, avoid aggressive or hard scrubbing when brushing. You should also try to avoid acidic foods and drinks, which can lead to enamel erosion (using a straw can help mitigate that risk, as well as drinking water after an acidic beverage). If you grind your teeth, your oral care professional can provide you with a mouthguard that can protect you from wearing away your tooth enamel and causing sensitivity.

While the sensation of sensitivity in your teeth feels uncomfortable, it’s normal to experience tooth sensitivity after hygienist appointments, and it’s usually temporary. But if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should contact your oral care provider to talk about your concerns.

Remember, professional teeth cleaning is an easy and excellent way to maintain great oral health and prevent cavities. Even though your teeth might be sensitive after a cleaning, don’t worry. It’s normal and temporary, and you’ll soon be on your way to a healthier smile.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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