Did your child recently have a dental cleaning and experience some discomfort afterward? You should not worry; this is a common experience that many children and adults report after a professional cleaning. Tooth sensitivity is regularly reported after dental cleanings, even for individuals who maintain cleanings twice a year. Below is more information on why post-cleaning sensitivity occurs and what you can do to help reduce your child’s discomfort.
What Causes Sensitivity After Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Removing plaque and tartar requires the hygienists to apply pressure using a technique called teeth scaling, during which the hygienist scrapes the teeth with specialized tools to break up tartar deposits along and below the gumline. The pressure involved in scaling, along with the potential irritation to the gums, is often more than children are accustomed to. The longer the gap between cleanings, the more buildup there may be to remove and the more pressure that may need to be applied.
Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
General tooth sensitivity is another common reason for discomfort after a dental cleaning. Many children experience some degree of tooth sensitivity that may be further aggravated by the pressure of a professional cleaning. Teeth are covered in a hard enamel that helps protect against sensitivity; however, the tooth root is not covered in enamel. When the underlying root becomes exposed, it can result in increased sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure. Common causes of tooth sensitivity in children include:
- Brushing too aggressively
- Inconsistent daily brushing
- Diets high in acidic foods and beverages
- Additional consumption of hot or cold beverages
What Can You Do to Treat Sensitivity?
If your child experiences tooth sensitivity after a cleaning, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce their discomfort:
- Good oral hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing are the best foundation for preventing and reducing tooth sensitivity in children. If your child already has sensitivity, make sure they are brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brushing too aggressively.
- Brush gently: If your child brushes and flosses daily but still experiences tooth sensitivity regularly, try observing and adjusting their brushing technique. Smaller circular motions without back-and-forth scrubbing are more effective to help clean the teeth without causing additional irritation.
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: If increasing brushing frequency and improving brushing habits are not enough, there are toothpaste brands specifically formulated for brushing sensitive teeth that can help reduce sensitivity and discomfort over time.
- Fluoride mouth rinse: There are also fluoride mouth rinses available to use after brushing that can help remineralize the surface of the teeth and decrease sensitivity.
If your child’s tooth sensitivity has increased or persisted after a recent dental cleaning, try some of the strategies above. You can also speak with your child’s hygienist to discuss their sensitivity; they may be able to adjust their approach at the next visit to make the experience more comfortable for your child.
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