Oral pain of any kind can be disconcerting. It’s hard to know why you have pain, and there could be multiple factors at play. 

Sore gums after a dental cleaning are normal. In fact, sometimes they can be a good sign. 

Sore Gums? Don’t Panic 

If you have ever experienced soreness in your gums after having a routine cleaning done, this isn’t always a bad sign. Usually, this happens to individuals who haven’t been to the dentist in a while. 

During dental cleanings, hygienists carefully work to remove all plaque buildup on your teeth. This plaque can harden at the gum line, making it difficult for hygienists to remove it painlessly. Patients may experience pain during a cleaning if their gums have receded and more of the tooth is exposed. A mark of a great hygienist is if a patient doesn’t experience any pain at all.  

Why Gums Can Be Sore After a Cleaning 

Sometimes patients may not experience any discomfort during a cleaning, but have soreness for a few days or even a week or two after. Typically, this pain is normal and means that the hygienist did their job well! 

Gums can become inflamed as a result of the cleaning process, leading to soreness. Usually it goes away and is nothing to worry about at all. If it persists, you’ll need to talk to your dentist for an official diagnosis. 

Avoiding Sore Gums

Patients who have a thorough dental hygiene routine at home are the least likely to feel discomfort when visiting the dentist. Here are a few things you can do to avoid sore gums: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Be sure to brush the hard to reach areas in the back of your mouth and spend time brushing both the front and back of each tooth. 
• Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque build up and any food particles missed in brushing. Brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. 
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. If you experience pain or discomfort in your mouth, tell your dentist. They may want to see you more regularly for cleanings and checkups. Getting your teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. 

LeCroy Dental: Comfortable Care You Can Count On 

At LeCroy Dental, we strive to give our patients professional care in a comfortable manner. It’s our goal to exceed your expectations by providing a relaxed, friendly experience. Contact us today to schedule your appointment—we can’t wait to meet you!