In the interest of improving and protecting the health of your smile, you’ve resolved to start seeing the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings again. However, it has been a while since your last appointment, and you’re worried about what you can expect. Will having your teeth cleaned be painful? Is there anything you can do to make the experience more comfortable? Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your preventive dental visit.
Do Teeth Cleanings Hurt?
The answer to this question depends on the current state of your smile. If your teeth and gums are healthy, then you don’t need to worry too much about experiencing pain during your appointment. On the other hand, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, your mouth may be more sensitive than normal due to oral health issues such as gum inflammation. Consequently, there may be some discomfort during your cleaning.
The good news is that your dentist and their team will always make your comfort a priority. You can count on them to be as gentle as possible while they’re removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. And if you let them know about any oral sensitivity you may be dealing with, they can take the appropriate steps to address it throughout your appointment.
How Can You Stay Comfortable During Your Teeth Cleaning?
If you’re worried about pain during your next routine teeth cleaning, there are some measures you can take to keep yourself comfortable:
- Ask your dentist for a local anesthetic. This will help keep your mouth numb while you’re in the dental chair.
- Consider taking ibuprofen or a similar type of over-the-counter pain medication shortly before your appointment begins.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing two times a day and flossing daily. This can go a long way toward making your next teeth cleaning easier.
- Be gentler when you’re brushing your teeth; if you put too much pressure on them, you could end up increasing their sensitivity. It may help to switch to an electric toothbrush, which can make it easier to brush gently while still removing plaque.
In general, the more often you visit your dentist, the less likely you are to experience pain during a routine teeth cleaning. That said, if you haven’t had an appointment in a while, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know; they’ll be more than happy to address your concerns.
About the Author
Dr. Sravanthi (Shevy) Kadiyala earned her dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine, which is also where she serves as a visiting faculty member. At Premier Dentistry of The Palm Beaches, she helps her patients enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles with gentle teeth cleanings along with various other services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kadiyala at her office in West Palm Beach, visit her website or call (561) 686-2077.