I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.
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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
Why Your Teeth Feel More Sensitive After Seeing The Dentist
Alfred Kelley
If you've ever been to a dental office for an in-depth cleaning and come away from it feeling like your teeth are more sensitive, you're not imagining it. Teeth often experience more sensitivity after having a cleaning, but it's for all the right reasons. Here's why your teeth could be a little sensitive after getting them cleaned.
The Structure of the Tooth
It's common to think of a tooth as a single, solid structure made of bone, but that's not actually how it is. Teeth have multiple layers, with the hardest on the outside and the softer ones on the inside. However, even the hard shell of enamel is a bit porous. This is partially so that anything that comes in contact with your tooth can come close enough to the internal layers to be felt, but not so close that it over stimulates the nerves and is painful. This allows you to feel things like food that's too hot or icy cold, or even lighter sensations, like running your tongue over your teeth.
When Poor Oral Health Takes Over
The porous layer of your teeth doesn't necessarily stay that way. When you have poor oral health and an excessive amount of plaque or even tartar, this build-up can potentially block your tooth's ability to feel.
Most teeth will still be able to detect pain, but you may lose some of your ability to sense softer touches. As long as your tooth has plaque or tartar on it, it will stay this way. This is particularly problematic if it's tartar, since only a dentist has the tools and experience necessary to remove tartar without hurting your tooth.
After Cleaning
After a deep cleaning from a dentist, the surfaces of your teeth are exposed once again. Everything from the feeling of air moving over your teeth to saliva moving around is typically felt, unless you have nerve damage in your teeth. This may feel odd to you if you've had unhealthy teeth for a long time. It may seem as though the sensations are too strong, and you may interpret it as your teeth being sensitive, when they're really only returning to their natural abilities.
This doesn't just happen to people who have their teeth cleaned by dentists. It's a common side effect of using a new cleaning tool on your teeth, like floss, an inter-dental brush, or even a water flosser. If you get rid of some of the plaque that was coating your teeth, you'll feel more afterward, and until you become accustomed to it, your teeth might seem overly sensitive.
Keeping your teeth clean on a regular basis and making sure to get to your dental appointments can help you to avoid having tooth sensitivity problems after a cleaning. If your teeth were never coated in plaque or tartar, you won't have this problem. If you feel like your teeth are sensitive after your next cleaning, consider it a reminder to try and do a better job with your oral health maintenance at home.
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