“Is it normal to have toothache after a dental cleaning?”
I am an 18 year old female. I have a toothache after a dental cleaning. Is it normal to have toothache after a dental cleaning?
6 Answers
No. You should possibly have some pain around your gums, but not a toothache.
It is common to have some mild generalized discomfort after a thorough deep cleaning, but to have a single toothache is not common. Your dentist should look for possible other causes of this singular discomfort.
If your tooth is healthy, it would be unlikely. Maybe sensitive for a few days could be normal, if pain continues have to see your dentist.
Sometimes due to deep cleaning of the teeth the teeth and gum around teeth can be sensitive for couple of days. You should avoid any spicy or sour food during this time.
There are different levels of cleaning. With basic polishing, I would not expect a toothache or any soreness. The next level with a cleaning is 'scaling' where a metal instrument is used to scrape off tartar, particularly around the lower front teeth. This can make the the teeth sore for a day or two as well as make the gums sore. Sometimes hygienists can be over-zealous and there can be excessive soreness around the gums. If your pain is more than what I have described there may be something else causing a toothache and it would be worthwhile to discuss it further with your dentist.
Marc D. Thomas, DDS
Marc D. Thomas, DDS
With an intensive cleaning, there are 2 possibilities:
1. the gums got a good deep cleanse and are irritated (sensitive)
2. the rubber prophy cup heated up a tooth and caused 'transient pulpitis'
Either case, after a couple of days, the pain should subside (if it hasn't already).
1. the gums got a good deep cleanse and are irritated (sensitive)
2. the rubber prophy cup heated up a tooth and caused 'transient pulpitis'
Either case, after a couple of days, the pain should subside (if it hasn't already).
