Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Reading time: three minutes
Dental cleanings play an important role in your child’s overall health. They help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that can affect more than just their smile.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, our dental hygienists use gentle techniques during the cleaning process to ensure your child remains comfortable throughout their cleaning. But for some of our little Rangers, mild soreness afterward can still happen and that’s perfectly normal.
In this blog, we will explain why your child might feel sore after a cleaning, how you can help them feel better, and ways to make future dental visits easier and more comfortable.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
A little soreness after a dental cleaning is nothing to worry about and is usually a sign that your child’s teeth and gums are getting the care they need. With a few simple steps at home, you can help ease their discomfort and keep their smile healthy. Regular dental visits not only keep teeth clean but also build lifelong habits that set your child up for long-term oral health success
Why Teeth and Gums May Feel Sore After a Dental Cleaning
During a routine cleaning, the dental hygienist gently removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the surface of the teeth using special instruments. The cleaning may also include polishing the teeth and flossing between them to ensure a thorough clean.
If it’s been a while since your child’s last visit, the cleaning may be a bit more intensive, which can make the teeth and gums feel more tender afterward. This happens because the buildup takes more effort to remove, and the gums may be more sensitive if they haven’t been cleaned in some time.
While most kids feel fine afterward, some may experience mild soreness or tenderness. This happens because the cleaning removes buildup that can irritate the gums or expose areas of the teeth that haven’t been touched in a while.
The good news is that any soreness usually goes away within a day or two.
Curious about what happens during a cleaning? Check out What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning Appointment for a step-by-step overview.
Tips to Relieve Post-Cleaning Pain
If your child is experiencing post-cleaning pain, these gentle remedies can help them feel better:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Never brush with a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush. They can cause gum recession and they don’t feel very nice on the gums.
- Rinse with warm water: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek: This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Choose soft foods: Serve soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes while their teeth recover.
- Avoid hot, cold, and acidic foods: Steer clear of very hot, cold, or acidic foods that can trigger tooth sensitivity.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Mild pain relievers can help ease discomfort as needed.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away bacteria and keeps the mouth clean.
How to Prevent Future Discomfort
A consistent oral hygiene routine at home and regular cleanings can make dental visits more comfortable over time. Here’s how to help your child maintain good oral health:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and prevent tartar buildup.
- Schedule regular cleanings. We recommend professional cleaning once every six months.
- Encourage healthy eating habits and limit sugary or acidic foods.
Need some help motivating your children to have good oral hygiene habits? Check out these printable motivational charts and tips on how to get them to enjoy their oral hygiene routine.
Book a Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning Today!
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry is dedicated to making dentistry fun, educational and family-oriented. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best experience for your toddler or teen in a relaxed and educational atmosphere.
We are always accepting new patients at all three of our locations. To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402 or visit us at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
Additional Resources
Here at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we are all about education! We post regular blogs that explore a range of topics so that you and your kids can stay informed. Here are a few of our latest posts: