Do you have sensitivity after dental cleaning?
These are a few causes of sensitivity after dental cleaning:
- You have recession and deposits around the roots: these deposits cover the roots and prevent them from the cold. When they are removed, the roots become naked and feel cold. Now the roots are exposed to the oral cavity and there is no more coating around them. This is a normal feeling and it will subside after time. Also dentists can apply different material to limit or stop the sensitivity. Please communicate with your dentist for your options. Patients should also know that deposits are full of bacteria and that they are the number one reason for gum disease. This is why patients need to get their cleaning (scaling) done regularly.
- You have recession and not bulks of deposits: the mechanical removal of deposit can irritate the dental tubes and cause sensitivity. This sensitivity will subside after a few days. Also your dentist can apply material to reduce the sensitivity.
- You have healthy gums and no recession: it is very unlikely to have sensitivity on non receded teeth, but it is possible. In this case, time will solve the sensitivity. Also your dentist can apply material that will help the sensitivity.
- You haven’t been flossing regularly: if you don’t have the habit of flossing regularly or your oral hygiene is poor, you might feel sensitivity after cleaning. When the oral hygiene is not good, there will be lots of bacteria in the plaque and deposits around the teeth. This will cause inflammation around the gums. When cleaning and removing the plaque and deposits, your gum becomes irritated and sensitive. Time and regular hygiene will subside the sensitivity.
Recession means the exposure of the roots, caused by losing gum tissue.
HOW TO MINIMIZE HAVING SENSITIVITY AFTER DENTAL CLEANING:
- Have good oral hygiene and do proper and regular brushing and flossing.
- Get your cleaning done regularly. Patients who get their cleaning done regularly experience less sensitivity after cleaning.
Dr. Roushanak Shafaghi
