If you’ve ever walked out of the dentist’s office scratching your head, wondering why your teeth feel a little weird after a cleaning, you’re not alone. Numerous patients describe a feeling of tingling, mild sensitivity, or an odd smoothness after their appointment. Although it may surprise you, it is natural for teeth to feel strange after cleaning, particularly after plaque and tartar have been thoroughly extracted. Knowing what creates this sensation can alleviate your anxiety.
What Goes on During a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is more than just a polish. It’s a preventive procedure meant to remove deposited plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
Here’s what usually happens on your visit:
- Scaling: Scrapes away hardened tartar both above and below the gumline with special instruments.
- Polishing: Smoothes out enamel and removes surface stains for a clean shine.
- Flossing: Removes any remaining trash between teeth to finish the job.
All of these procedures expose surfaces of your teeth that haven’t been touched in some time, which can cause those strange feelings.
Why Do Teeth Feel Weird After a Dental Cleaning?
Following a cleaning, most patients find that their teeth feel odd or too smooth. A dentist in Walnut Creek explains that this is because of the newly revealed enamel that was previously masked by plaque or tartar.
Post-cleaning sensations are usually:
- Temperature sensitivity: Teeth can respond more to hot or cold because of exposed dentin.
- Slippery sensation: Clean enamel naturally feels slippery, not the rough plaque-covered surfaces.
- Mild gum soreness: Gums could be sensitive where tartar was scraped off or if inflamed tissue was cleaned.
Teeth feel strange after plaque removal just because they’re now free of plaque, which your mouth had grown accustomed to over time.
Other Reasons for Post-Cleaning Tooth Sensitivity
Not all sensitivity results from plaque removal only. Other causes include:
- Receding gums: The sensitivity increases with more of your tooth root exposed.
- Micro scratches: Although mild, dental instruments can create minuscule, harmless scratches that your nerves react to temporarily.
- Open dentinal tubules: Deep cleaning can expose microscopic tubes that lead to your tooth’s nerve, making them even more reactive.
It is normal for teeth to feel strange after cleaning when these little shifts occur, particularly if it has been some time since your last appointment.
How Long Will the Sensation Last?
These sensations typically pass within:
- A few hours for slight smoothness or temperature sensitivity.
- One to three days for tenderness of the gums or sensitivity to pressure.
If pain persists for longer than 72 hours or gets worse, call your dentist to eliminate any underlying problems, such as decay or a cracked filling.
Tips to Ease the Sensation at Home
Although the odd sensation is temporary, there are simple ways to make the discomfort less noticeable:
- Brush using a toothpaste for sensitivity.
- Steer clear of very hot or cold foods for the first 24–48 hours.
- Gently brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the area even more.
- Rinse with warm salt water to naturally soothe gums.
Even if your teeth feel a bit weird at first, it’s a sign that they’re healthy and clean. Don’t let something temporary like that keep you from keeping up with regular cleanings. The reward to your oral health is so much greater than a bit of weirdness, and soon your smile will feel right again.
