You’ve done your part and visited the dental office for a routine cleaning. Everything goes well, but then you notice that your gums feel sore on the way home. This is more common than you may think.
Our dental experts at Hickerson Dental & Associates ensure comfortable dental exams and cleanings for residents in Houston and nearby areas. Here’s why your gums may hurt once we’re finished.
Why Do Gums Feel Sore After Teeth Cleaning?
While brushing your teeth, you may see a yellowish layer near your gumline. This sticky layer is plaque. If you skip oral hygiene, plaque hardens into tartar. Once hardened, these deposits near your gums won’t budge, no matter how much you try to clean your teeth at home.
Our dental team cleans these deposits using special cleaning tools. This contact with your gum tissues, especially if you have a lot of plaque buildup that needs to be removed, can leave them feeling sore.
People who already have gingivitis (early gum disease) or gum swelling to begin with might have more pain.
If you have receding gums, your teeth may feel a bit more sensitive too after a cleaning. This happens because the roots don’t have the protective enamel layer as the crowns of your teeth do.
How Long Do Gums Hurt After Cleaning?
Usually just a day or two after a routine cleaning. During this time, we give special guidelines to our Houston patients to help with the discomfort.
If you had a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), soreness and gum tenderness can last longer afterward, about 5 to 7 days. It takes this much time for the gums to heal and reattach to the tooth roots.
Best Ways to Relieve Gum Pain After Teeth Cleaning
You’ll only need to make a few changes to your usual oral care routine to reduce gum soreness. They include:
Saltwater rinses
One of the best, perhaps the easiest, ways to lessen pain and gum inflammation. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in lukewarm (not hot) water and swish it around your mouth. You can repeat it a few times a day.
Soft foods
As long as your gums feel tender, you shouldn’t eat foods that would cause irritation. Stock up on soft foods and avoid hot, crunchy, hard, and spicy foods for a few days.
Over-the-counter pain relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage temporary discomfort if you’re able to take them safely. Follow the product’s dosing instructions, and ask your dentist or healthcare provider if you’re unsure which option is appropriate for you.
Gentle brushing and flossing
Continue your oral care routine, but be very careful while cleaning the sensitive areas. Proper oral hygiene helps your gums heal faster.
Final Words
Mild soreness in gums after dental cleaning is quite normal. It should get better within a short time with these measures. If it still persists or gets worse, reach out to our team at Hickerson Dental & Associates right away. Call us at (713) 782-3123 to schedule your visit.