Six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings are encouraged not only by your local dentist but also by professional organizations like the American Dental Association. If you have not maintained regular visits to ensure your teeth and gums are free of cavities and disease, you may be concerned about your upcoming appointment, particularly the cleaning. Will it hurt? To find out, keep reading to discover how you can minimize discomfort during your visit.
Why Might Your Dental Cleaning Cause Discomfort?
There are several reasons why you may experience some slight discomfort during a dental cleaning, such as:
- Your gums are sensitive because of the accumulated plaque and tartar that is irritating the tissues. Cleaning can create soreness.
- Removing plaque and tartar with scaling can irritate the gum tissues and teeth.
- Tooth sensitivity is likely if the roots of your teeth are exposed because of gum recession.
- Additional stress and tension caused by dental anxiety.
- Extensive cleanings can make the process more uncomfortable, which is often the case if you smoke or neglect your oral hygiene.
How Can You Alleviate Discomfort During a Cleaning?
As you begin to maintain your regular dental checkups and cleanings, you will notice these visits become less uncomfortable over time. The reason is that there is less buildup for your dentist to remove.
In the meantime, you can try one or more of the following options to reduce discomfort during your dental appointment:
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication before your appointment and several hours after your visit.
- If necessary, ask about receiving topical anesthesia to numb your mouth during a cleaning.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste to make brushing at home more comfortable.
- Avoid root exposure from gum recession by flossing daily and taking proper care of your gum tissue.
- Practice good oral hygiene each day by brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an ADA-approved mouthwash. Also, clean your tongue with a specialized scraper or a toothbrush.
- Ask your dental hygienist and dentist about sedation. If you struggle with anxiety or have trouble sitting still for extended periods, oral conscious sedation can help reduce symptoms and create a comfortable and less stressful experience.
Teeth cleanings are essential to maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Apply these tips to make your next visit more enjoyable.
About the Author
Dr. Ernesto Ulloa is a talented dentist who enjoys helping people out of pain. By changing how his patients think about dentistry, he offers sedation and uses comfortable techniques to make the treatment chair an enjoyable place. If you are concerned about your upcoming teeth cleaning and want to know what to expect, contact us at (919) 220-4200.