Has it been many years since you last went to the dental office? For most people, it is recommended to go to the dental office every six months. If your last dental visit was a while ago, you might have forgotten exactly what a dental cleaning feels like which can bring about additional anxiety. Some people avoid the dentist because they are worried about their visit will be painful. Fortunately, this isn’t something that you should expect. Continue reading to learn more about teeth cleanings and how you can prevent discomfort.
What Does a Dental Cleaning Feel Like?
Dental cleanings shouldn’t be painful, but there are many factors that can increase your sensitivity. For instance, if you have gum inflammation, tooth decay, or another symptom of a dental issue, you might experience some discomfort during the cleaning process. If you are feeling pain during your cleaning, this is something that you should discuss with your dentist. This way, they will know what steps to take to help you feel more comfortable throughout the duration of your visit.
How Can You Prevent Discomfort During a Dental Cleaning?
Here are some tips to help reduce sensitivity during your professional cleaning.
- OTC Pain Relievers: Ask your dentist if they think that you would benefit from taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen. It reduces the inflammatory reaction and helps to reduce discomfort.
- Numb the Area: If you are experiencing pain, ask the dental team if they can use a topical anesthetic. This helps to numb the area, giving you a more comfortable experience.
- Sensitivity Toothpaste: Pick a toothpaste that is made for people who have sensitive teeth. This helps to reduce discomfort, but it might take a few weeks for you to notice the difference.
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush and floss after meals. The cleaner your mouth is, the easier your cleaning will be.
- Brush Gently: Many people use too much pressure to brush their teeth. When you brush too hard, this can make your teeth more sensitive and cause damage. You should always use gentle, circular motions for the best clean.
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes help people to brush more gently because they do a lot of the work for you. If you tend to brush too hard, this could be a beneficial switch for you.
- Ask About Sedation: Dental sedation can be used to help those who experience dental anxiety and discomfort.
When you have your teeth cleaned, it shouldn’t be painful. By using the tips listed above, your visit should be painless and easy!
About the Author
At Harbor Dental Center, Dr. Bhatt and Dr. Todd work together to treat patients in the Cambridge community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental cleaning or to schedule your next appointment, visit our website or call (410) 228-5445.