If you have sensitive teeth, the idea of a deep dental cleaning may give you pause. Yet deep cleaning is crucial to ensuring healthy gums and avoiding oral complications. The solution is to prepare before, during, and after the procedure to guard your smile and reduce sensitivity. Here’s how you can deal with sensitivity while keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Why Deep Cleaning is Important for Sensitive Teeth
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, eliminates plaque and tartar accumulation below the gum line. The process is important in avoiding gum disease, minimizing inflammation, and enhancing general oral health. Excessive plaque, if not treated, causes gum recession, which leaves the tooth roots exposed and makes the teeth more sensitive.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Safe During Deep Cleaning
1. Talk to Your Dentist
If you have sensitive teeth, let your dentist know beforehand. They can use additional precautions like a numbing gel or local anesthetic to make you comfortable.
2. Choose a Desensitizing Toothpaste
A toothpaste tailored for sensitive teeth may block nerve impulses and alleviate pain. Use it a few weeks leading up to your deep cleaning visit to get your teeth ready.
3. Explore Sedation Options
For individuals who are very sensitive or fearful of the dentist, sedation is available through nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives to ease the discomfort of the deep cleaning.
Aftercare Tips for Sensitive Teeth
1. Stay Away from Very Hot or Cold Foods
Following a deep cleaning, your teeth can be hypersensitive. Avoid ice cream, hot coffee, and other foods that are sensitive to temperature for a few days to avoid irritation.
2. Brush with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is easy on your gums and teeth and won’t cause further irritation. Brush in gentle, circular motions instead of using too much pressure.
3. Rinse with Saltwater or a Dentist-Recommended Mouthwash
A saltwater rinse can soothe gums and aid healing after deep cleaning. Also, an alcohol-free, dentist-approved mouthwash can kill bacteria without irritating sensitive areas.
4. Stay Consistent with Oral Hygiene
Keep brushing and flossing every day to avoid plaque accumulation and promote healthy gums. Regular dental visits will also check your progress and deal with any issues in time.
Protect Your Smile
If you have sensitive teeth and require a deep cleaning, Castle Hills Dentistry in Lewisville can assist you. Our skilled staff makes sure you feel comfortable during the procedure while enhancing your oral health. Book your appointment today to maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!
