Will It Hurt to Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

Maybe fear has kept you away from the dentist’s office for too long, but concerns about your oral health have convinced you to go back. Naturally, you’re probably nervous about your first appointment, especially if you can’t even remember what your last appointment was like. One of the questions likely to be on your mind is, “Do tooth cleanings hurt?” Your dentist will do everything they can do keep you comfortable, but it’s also important to have an idea of what you should prepare for. Read on to learn about the kind of experience you’re likely to have at your next appointment.  

Will Your Next Teeth Cleaning Hurt?

Under normal circumstances, having your teeth cleaned will cause little to no discomfort thanks to your dentist’s gentle expert touch. However, if it has been a while since your last appointment, then there might be a few issues. Your gums may have become inflamed as a result of plaque and tartar buildup, and cavities could be starting to form in your mouth without you realizing it. The affected areas are likely to be quite sensitive and thus can cause pain when prodded. Regular visits to the dentist help prevent gum inflammation and cavities, so having teeth cleanings performed on a regular basis will go a long way towards ensuring you don’t experience pain during them.

What Can You Do to Make Your Next Teeth Cleaning Hurt Less?

You can use the following tips to reduce the pain you might experience:

• Take pain medication such as Advil before and after the cleaning. This keeps inflammation under control.
• Switch to Sensodyne Pro Enamel or another kind of toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. The active ingredients in the toothpaste can reduce sensitivity.
• Avoid over-brushing. Pressing too hard and scrubbing too vigorously with the toothbrush can wear down the enamel and the gum tissue protecting the tooth roots.
• Switch to an electric toothbrush. Such devices tend to be more gentle on the teeth and gums, and they assist in cleaning below the gum line so that your dentist or hygienist won’t have to spend as much time scraping there.
• In general, make sure you’re maintaining a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing thoroughly between meals.

If you still have concerns about your next dental checkup and cleaning, let your dentist know about your concerns ahead of time. Not only can they take a number of precautions to prevent you from experiencing pain during your visit, but they can also recommend an appropriate form of sedation to help you overcome any dental fears that might have kept you away from the dentist’s office to begin with. Don’t let a fear of pain stop you from getting the clean, healthy smile that you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner always loves proving to his patients at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills that dentistry doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. He performs every preventive checkup and cleaning with a gentle touch, and he always takes the time to address each patient’s unique needs. His advanced training allows him to offer treatments in many different areas of dentistry. To schedule a checkup or to voice any concerns you might have, visit his website or call (410) 902-4110.