With beauty comes pain, and with dental deep cleaning comes sensitivity. It’s one of those combinations that you can just expect to happen. However, sometimes, people report feeling a lingering sense of pain after the procedure. This is nothing to be afraid of, as it is merely a common side effect, one that goes away on its own. Nevertheless, if you want to relieve pain after teeth cleaning, keep reading this blog to find all the different ways to do just that.
What is Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning is a procedure that helps to clean your teeth from the roots. It also removes built-up plaque and tartar from the enamel, ensuring it is clean and pristine.
When compared to regular dental cleaning, deep cleaning involves a more in-depth approach. That is to say, rather than simply focusing on the gum line, dentists take the time to go beyond the gum line, reaching under it to eliminate any and all bacterial colonies that there may be.
Additionally, dental deep cleaning is made up of scaling and root planing. These are the two procedures that help to boost your oral health, especially the gums, by getting rid of inflammation.
Does Dental Cleaning Hurt?
Since dental cleaning is not a surgical procedure, it should not hurt. However, due to the intensity of the scaling and root planing, it may result in slight discomfort. This is because, during the cleaning, dentists use special tools that reach all the way under your gums, touching the dentin in the process. This can trigger a sensitivity response, making you wince.
Moreover, if your teeth have exposed roots or you have a weak layer of enamel, deep cleaning might also set off the pain. In such instances, it is best to let your dentist know so they have a better sense of control while cleaning.
How to Relieve Pain After Teeth Cleaning?
Usually, dentists administer local anesthesia before the procedure to numb the area. This prevents the constant twinges of pain. However, if your teeth and gums feel sore after the treatment, try the tips mentioned below to alleviate some of the pain.
- Rinse With Saltwater Solution
Stir a pinch of salt into a glass of warm water before swishing the mixture in your mouth. Saltwater has antibacterial properties, which help to soothe the ache. - Only Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush
Switch out your old toothbrush with a new one that has softer bristles. Sometimes, harsh bristles can negatively impact your oral health, scratching the sensitive gums in the process. - Take OTC Pain Relievers
If the pain refuses to go away or starts interfering with your day-to-day activities, take over-the-counter pain relievers to get rid of the sensitivity. - Use Special Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
After the procedure, you should try switching to a toothpaste that’s made specifically for sensitive teeth to keep the stinging sensation away. - Avoid Certain Foods
Drinking carbonated beverages and eating foods that are extremely hot or cold tend to worsen toothaches. Instead of taking risks, ask your dentist about the foods you can and cannot have.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
A little bit of pain and discomfort is common after a dental deep cleaning. But if the toothache seems to worsen or doesn’t go away, no matter how many times you try to relieve the pain after teeth cleaning, it’s a sign to let your dentist know. For more information, contact AK Dental of Austin at (512) 653-3008 or visit 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States.