Irritated gums after dental cleaning

Mild gum tenderness after professional cleaning can follow removal of plaque and calculus, but worsening pain, swelling, or bleeding needs assessment.

Cleaning instruments remove deposits from enamel, root surfaces, and gum pockets. Inflamed tissue may feel tender afterward, especially when calculus was close to or below the gum margin.

Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between teeth, choose cool foods, and follow instructions given at the visit. Do not stop cleaning completely.

Call the clinic for increasing swelling, pus, fever, severe pain, persistent bleeding, or breathing or swallowing difficulty.

Ask which areas were treated, whether root surfaces or periodontal pockets were involved, and how to manage sensitivity.