Why am I so tired after dental cleaning?

Author: Miss Destany O'Kon DDS  |  Last update: Sunday, September 14, 2025

While most people do not have any adverse reactions to dental work, some may experience flu-like symptoms after a visit to the dentist. These symptoms can include a fever, chills, fatigue, and aches and pains throughout the body.

Is it normal to be exhausted after dental work?

Feeling tired after having any kind of dental work is normal. Although not everyone experiences it on the same level, there are reasons as to why you may feel more fatigued after a more complex procedure such as dental implant placement. These reasons can include: Anxiety about the procedure.

Why am I not feeling well after dental cleaning?

Flu-like symptoms after a dental appointment can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or anxiety or stress. If you experience flu-like symptoms, it's important to identify the cause so that you can receive the appropriate treatment.

Is there any side effects of teeth cleaning?

One of the most frequently reported side effects of teeth cleaning is tooth sensitivity. This occurs because the cleaning process exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, which is more sensitive than the outer enamel. You might notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

How long does it take to recover from a teeth cleaning?

It can take 10-14 days for your gum tissues to finally be healthy enough that they aren't irritated by a toothbrush, floss, or even eating. Rest assured that the better you clean your teeth and gums, the more effective your body will be at healing itself. Bleeding will gradually subside as your gums heal.

What To Do If Your Teeth HURT After a CLEANING At The Dentist 🦷 (Painful Dental Cleanings Explained)

What not to do after a dental cleaning?

After your dental cleaning, avoid sticky or chewy foods such as dried fruits, caramel, bubblegum, candy, beef jerky, and other similar snacks. These foods are more likely to get stuck in your gums or between your teeth and cause discomfort. Sticky foods such as gummies and taffy can also pull on your teeth.

Why are dentists pushing deep cleaning?

Targeting Periodontal Disease At Its Core

The accumulation of plaque and tartar along and below the gum line, which routine dental cleanings cannot fully address. Dentists push for deep cleaning, technically known as scaling and root planing, to remove these stubborn deposits.

Can you get flu-like symptoms after dental cleaning?

Flu-like symptoms after a dental appointment

If you think you picked up a cold at your dentist's office, think again. You may be experiencing flu-like symptoms as your body's reaction to a dental cleaning or procedure. This often occurs due to the patient having a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions.

Do I really need a deep cleaning on my teeth?

While not everyone will require a deep teeth cleaning, it's a procedure that can be highly beneficial for individuals with gum disease or specific risk factors. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and recommend a deep cleaning if it's necessary. It's important to remember that prevention is key.

Is it common to get sick after teeth cleaning?

While most people do not have any adverse reactions to dental work, some may experience flu-like symptoms after a visit to the dentist. These symptoms can include a fever, chills, fatigue, and aches and pains throughout the body.

Why do I feel ill after cleaning?

It isn't normal and is likely the result of an incorrect process or using chemical cleaners that are too harsh. 'Cleaning products causing nausea typically occurs if the products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harsh chemicals,' cleaning expert Dan Dillon, says.

How long do teeth feel weird after cleaning?

What Happens Next? It's normal to experience sensitivity after a deep cleaning, which can last up to a week. Soreness and pain may also linger for a few days as your gums may be swollen or bleed. Your oral care provider may prescribe an antibiotic or mouth rinse to manage any pain and fight any possible infections.

How do I regain feeling after dental work?

Managing Post-Procedure Numbness and Discomfort

Your dentist might also recommend using a warm compress and gently massaging your jaw to help restore full circulation to the affected area. Gentle jaw exercises, like opening and closing your mouth slowly, can also help speed up your recovery.

What is tooth fatigue?

You're either moving teeth back and forth or you're pressing them tightly together. Over time, this is going to make teeth feel uncomfortable, cause surrounding structures to feel fatigued, and may explain that “tired” feeling that's come about. Fortunately, we offer dental care to treat this!

Does dentist anesthetic make you tired?

It's total lack of sensation without losing consciousness, in an effort to curb anxiety and stronger side effects and risks of general anesthesia. However, as with any sedation, you also risk lingering effects of sedation, including feeling sleepy, nausea and headaches.

Can a dental cleaning cause an infection?

During a deep teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline, which may expose sensitive areas or create minor disruptions in the gums. This can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection, especially if proper oral hygiene is not maintained after the cleaning procedure.

What can I do instead of a deep cleaning?

While dental deep cleaning is a common procedure recommended for treating gum disease, there are alternative approaches that can be effective in maintaining oral health.
  • Daily Oral Hygiene Routine. ...
  • Antimicrobial Mouthwashes. ...
  • Interdental Cleaning. ...
  • Professional Dental Cleanings. ...
  • Diet and Nutrition.

Why are deep cleanings so expensive?

Because scaling and planing is a typically more invasive and time-consuming procedure than a regular cleaning, it may cost more than a regular cleaning.

Do gums grow back after deep cleaning?

Although deep cleaning will not help your gums grow back, it allows them to heal and look healthy again. After deep cleaning, your gums start reattaching to the teeth. This process might take some time, but it gets completed eventually. Usually, the process should be complete within 4 to 6 weeks.

Why am I so tired after dental work?

Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery. Upon receiving your implants, you may feel tired and groggy, but don't worry; this is completely normal. Between the effects of the anesthesia and the invasiveness of the surgery, your body isn't used to each of these things.

Why do I feel sick after cleaning my teeth?

First, using a toothbrush that is too big and brushing too hard. The nausea arises when the toothbrush hits the inside of the throat. even if you brush your teeth too hard into your mouth, it can cause irritation to the throat, causing nausea to vomiting.

Can dentists tell if you're sick?

If none of those side effects are present, it is still best to remember that even a normal looking and/or feeling mouth can tell you, dentist, more than you ever imagined. Aside from pointing out the evident cavity or stained teeth, dentists can tell if you are sick, highly stressed, and even pregnant!

Can you decline a deep cleaning at the dentist?

Can you refuse a deep cleaning at the dentist? Yes, you can. However, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind the recommendation, potential consequences of refusal, and alternative approaches. Open communication with your dentist ensures that you make informed decisions aligned with your oral health goals.

Are deep cleanings covered by insurance?

Deep cleanings are a procedure covered by dental insurance as long as your dentist shows the diagnosis of periodontal disease through any of the three criteria listed above. Because a deep cleaning is treating disease instead of preventing disease, it is not a preventive dental benefit.

How much does scaling of teeth cost?

How much does teeth scaling cost in India? This procedure can cost anywhere between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 3500 in India.

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