Are your teeth feeling sensitive after a visit to the dentist? Here's why

It’s not uncommon to suffer from sensitive teeth after dental cleaning, but have you ever wondered why? These are the common culprits of teeth sensitivity after a visit to the dentist.

As you may already know, dentinal hypersensitivity can develop over time due to enamel wear and/or receding gums. When dentin, the softer, inner part of your tooth, is exposed, certain triggers (such as hot or cold drinks) can trigger the thousands of microscopic channels that run through dentin. This stimulates your nerves and causes a short, sharp jolt of pain.

People who suffer from sensitive teeth may feel extra sensitivity after a trip to the dentist.

Causes of sensitive teeth

Teeth sensitivity can be caused by, (1) gum recession and (2) enamel wear. These two oral health issues are a result of the following

• ●   Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly
  ●   Unhealthy gums, such as inflamed or receding gums
  ●   Excessive consumption of acidic food and drinks
  ●   Overbrushing
  ●   Tooth grinding
  ●   Tooth bleaching

So, if good oral hygiene prevents teeth sensitivity and dental visits improve your oral hygiene, why do you feel sensitivity pain after the dentist?

Why dental cleaning can cause sensitive teeth

In theory, we know that having healthy gums and teeth is good for you. This is why you are encouraged to go for professional cleaning twice a year.

However, dental cleaning is a deep cleaning process that involves the removal of plaque and tartar build-up. The use of ultrasonic cleaners and hand scalers may come as a shock to your teeth and gums because they are not used to the pressure caused by the equipment.

Even though your teeth and gums are polished and cleansed after dental cleaning, it is common to feel teeth sensitivity.

How to soothe sensitive teeth after dental cleaning

To minimize pain and discomfort caused by dental cleaning, you should be gentle while maintaining good oral hygiene.

You can improve your oral hygiene by incorporating mouth wash into your daily routine. LISTERINE TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE MOUTHWASH^® targets almost 100% of your mouth and kills 99.99% of harmful germs that cause bad breath, plaque & gum problems. It contains essential oils that keep your gums firm and healthy as they prevent plaque build-up and gum problems.
By keeping your oral hygiene in check, you will reduce the amount of tartar and build-up, preventing gum problems from occurring or recurring. This could also result in preventing tooth sensitivity symptoms from getting worse during or after your next dental cleaning appointment.

Why teeth whitening can cause sensitive teeth

Teeth whitening bleaches your teeth to remove stains and brighten your teeth. While we all want a bright smile, it comes at a cost–and we're not just referring to the price of the teeth whitening treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide, also known as bleach, is a common ingredient used in both professional and at-home teeth whitening procedures. This substance along with the acidic pH of the whitening gel may cause transient and painful sensitivity.

A study showed that in-office bleaching of restored teeth using a 35% hydrogen peroxide product caused teeth sensitivity in all cases.

That’s why it’s recommended to whiten your teeth only once every three to six months. It is also safer to go to a dentist for teeth whitening as they are equipped with professional knowledge about the procedure and the products used.

How to soothe sensitive teeth after teeth whitening

You can soothe sensitive teeth caused by teeth whitening simply by doing it less frequently. Instead of going for harsh whitening treatments, you can maintain your smile at home by brushing and flossing regularly.

Brushing your teeth harder will not remove stains. In fact, overbrushing or brushing too frequently can damage your enamel and expose dentin, which leads to sensitive teeth. To combat this, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently.

You can use LISTERINE TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE MOUTHWASH® as it contains potassium nitrate that builds soothing protection by desensitizing the nerve inside the tooth, as well as fluoride that helps re-mineralize teeth, keeps the enamel strong, and prevents tooth wear.