Keeping your teeth clean is a big part of keeping your mouth healthy. If you can’t afford it right away due to the cost, maybe look into a teeth cleaning kit. Anyways, as plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and gums can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. But some people may also have immediate, or more subtle side effects. Especially after a professional teeth cleaning job. Let’s have a look at some of the most common side effects of getting your teeth cleaned, and how to deal with them.
Understanding Teeth Cleaning
Before we talk about the side effects, let’s talk about what happens when you get your teeth cleaned. A dental cleaning, which is also called prophylaxis, is when plaque and tartar that have built up on the teeth are removed. For the cleaning, hand tools, ultrasonic scalers, and polishing tools may be used. Your dentist or dental hygienist may also take X-rays of your teeth to see if there are any problems below the surface.
Even though cleaning your teeth is usually safe and easy, some people may have side effects.
Here are some of the most common side effects of teeth cleaning:
Soreness and Sensitivity
Your teeth and gums may hurt and feel sensitive after a cleaning. This is normal and should go away in a few days. You may also find that hot and cold temperatures (Cold water, or hot chocolate), may suddenly start to bother you. Like a lot.
Use a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash to relieve pain and sensitivity. You can also rinse your gums with warm salt water to make them feel better.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when your teeth are being cleaned, you probably have gum disease or inflammation. Some bleeding is normal during a cleaning, but a lot of bleeding could be a sign of a bigger issue.
This can be an issue so make sure you have good oral hygiene habits. If not, we highly encourage you to start developing them. Like brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing every day. A good tip is to brush your teeth after every meal (People in Japan do it). Also talk to your dentist about gum disease, or other problems if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Loose Teeth
Cleaning teeth can sometimes cause teeth to come loose. This can happen if you already have gum disease, or if the way your teeth were cleaned was just too rough. If your teeth feel loose after a cleaning, you should definitely call your dentist right away.
If you experience a loose teeth or two after a cleaning, contact your dentist immediately. They may need to take further action to address any underlying issues.
Irritation or Ulcers
Some people’s gums or the inside of their cheeks may get sore or irritated after a cleaning. This is usually caused by an accident while cleaning, and it should go away on its own in a few days.
Canker sores, which are also called mouth ulcers, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth. They can be brought on by a number of things, like stress, an injury, or eating certain foods. If you have ulcers in your mouth, your dentist may tell you to delay getting your teeth cleaned. At least until the ulcers have healed, and any irritation has gone. Don’t be shy if this is something you are going through. Let your dentist know right away. It’s better to delay these things and heal properly first.
Conclusion
So as you can now gather, cleaning your teeth is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy, but it can also have some negative effects. Common side effects include real extreme sensitivity to pain, bleeding gums, loose teeth, irritation, or ulcers. We understand that any sensitivity to pain is a very healthy thing to have, but extreme sensitivity can make you really uncomfortable. If you have any strange, or long-lasting symptoms after a cleaning, you should talk to your dentist immediately to rule out any problems.