Why Do Teeth Feel Weird After Dental Cleaning?

Have your teeth ever felt “weird” after a dental cleaning? There are various reasons for this feeling. For some, the “weird” feeling may be a sense of cleanliness by not having a film of plaque on their teeth. For others, they may experience temporary tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity most often occurs after a dentist performs a deep cleaning which involves more contact with a patient’s gums than regular cleaning. Deep cleaning is for patients who exhibit early gum disease or gum recession. A significant portion of a patient’s tooth roots exposes during gum disease and gum recession. And since tooth roots do not have the same enamel protection as an actual tooth, temporary dental sensitivity may ensue.

The good news is that the dental sensitivity is short-lived. Also, if patients experience red or swollen gums before their cleaning appointment, those symptoms will soon be gone after their cleaning appointment. When you visit us for dental exams and cleanings in Edgartown, MA, our dentist, and his team will evaluate your gum tissue to ensure that you receive thorough yet gentle dental care. If you’ve been trying to locate a dentist near you that places patient comfort at the same level as patient care, we invite you to book an appointment with Edgartown Dental Group today.

The Importance of Dental Cleanings

You may not be aware of the invasive nature of the bacteria that live in plaque as it slowly covers your teeth. Even if you brush and floss twice a day, there is no way to remove plaque build-up, creating acids that contribute to cavities and tooth sensitivity. A perfect case study occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when many patients postponed their preventive dental care. As restrictions lifted and patients returned to their dentists for preventive care, many were surprised to learn that skipped cleaning appointments truly have a consequence. Patients who had no history of gum disease, cavities, or tooth sensitivity were now visiting their dentists with concerns about all three. And patients who were just on the cusp of experiencing periodontal disease or gum recession discovered that they were now facing the conditions squarely because of a break in their cleaning schedules.

Whether your delay in preventive dentistry resulted from COVID or something else, now is the time to make up for your delayed or postponed treatment. Bacteria that live in plaque will continue to cover your teeth slowly and affect your gums. In many cases, you can treat gum disease with a deep cleaning appointment rather than a more invasive treatment. But the takeaway is that you will never know how severe your concern is until a dentist performs an Dental examination.

Dentists have observed the need for emergency dentistry during COVID. Patients who never experienced swollen gums or tooth sensitivity before COVID may now be experiencing these conditions. Because the symptoms and discomfort are new to them, they view it as a dental emergency. While a continued delay in dental cleaning will lead to dental emergencies such as systemic infections and tooth loss, it’s never too late to get back on schedule with twice-a-year cleaning appointments.

Something Else to Consider

Did you know that oral cancer is on the rise? And before you dismiss the concern with “I don’t smoke,” this type of cancer can affect anyone whether or not they smoke. Also, oral cancer can be asymptomatic. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, oral cancer may be present.

And when it’s present, undiagnosed, and untreated, it will worsen over time. When you visit us for exams and cleanings, oral cancer screening can be a part of your appointment. The screening only adds about five minutes to your appointment, but those five minutes could save your life.

Let us help you take the next step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile today.