Oral Discomfort after Teeth Cleaning

A thorough teeth cleaning may produce some gum bleeding and swelling and may cause discomfort of teeth and gums. This is not due to a “rough cleaning,” but due to tender and inflamed gums, which results from substandard oral hygiene.

If your child experiences gum bleeding or mouth discomfort after cleaning, we recommend the following for 2-3 days:

• For gum bleeding and swelling,  rinse 2 times daily with warm salt water rinse (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup warm water). 
• For mouth discomfort,  use Children’s Motrin, Advil, or Tylenol as directed.

To prevent your child from feeling any discomfort at the next cleaning, make sure your child brushes twice daily  and maintains good oral habits.