Yes — and here’s why it happens (and what to do about it).
You’ve just had your teeth professionally cleaned — and now they feel sensitive when you sip cold water or eat something sweet. Should you be concerned?
Not at all.
Mild tooth sensitivity after a dental cleaning is very common and usually temporary. It’s your teeth’s way of adjusting after tartar and plaque have been removed, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit or if you had deeper cleaning around the gumline.
Let’s explore why this happens — and how to ease it quickly.
✅ Why Do Teeth Feel Sensitive After a Cleaning?
Here are a few common reasons for temporary sensitivity:
- 🧼 Tartar Removal Exposes Exposed Dentin
If you had a lot of buildup on your teeth, removing it can expose tiny areas of dentin (the layer beneath your enamel), which is more sensitive to temperature and pressure. - 🪥 Gum Recession or Exposed Roots
If you have receding gums, cleaning may expose sensitive root surfaces that aren’t protected by enamel — especially around the lower front teeth or molars. - 😬 Deep Cleaning or Scaling & Root Planing
If you’ve had treatment for gum disease or a deeper cleaning below the gumline, it’s normal to feel some tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward. - 💨 Sensitivity to Air or Temperature
After polishing and rinsing, your teeth may feel temporarily more reactive to cold air, especially during winter or in air-conditioned environments.
🧊 How Long Does the Sensitivity Last?
For most people, post-cleaning sensitivity lasts a few hours to a couple of days.
If you had a deeper cleaning or more buildup removed, it could take up to a week to fully settle down.
😌 How to Soothe Sensitive Teeth at Home
Here are a few simple ways to stay comfortable:
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief)
- Avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods for a few days
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen enamel
- Don’t skip brushing — keeping your mouth clean helps the healing process
If the discomfort is more than mild, over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help — but most people don’t need it.
🚨 When to Contact Your Dentist
While sensitivity is normal, give us a call if:
- It lasts more than a week
- You notice sharp pain when biting or chewing
- The sensitivity is getting worse, not better
- You see signs of swelling, bleeding, or a loose filling or crown
These could be signs of something beyond routine post-cleaning sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
A little tooth sensitivity after your cleaning is nothing to worry about — it’s a sign that your teeth and gums are adjusting after a thorough refresh. With proper care, it should fade quickly and leave your smile feeling healthier than ever.
Still unsure or feeling uncomfortable after your appointment? Contact our team — we’re always happy to answer questions and make sure you’re healing comfortably.