Even though seeing your dentist every six months is key to maintaining a gorgeous grin, many people don’t do this. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 65% of patients attended appointments in 2019. If you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, you may be wondering if it hurts to have your teeth cleaned. Keep reading to learn the answer.
Does Having Your Teeth Cleaned Hurt?
Though there are some factors that may make your teeth more sensitive than usual, dental cleanings generally shouldn’t cause pain. If you have cavities, swollen gums, or another oral health issue, this may cause discomfort.
If you experience any pain while having your teeth cleaned, let your hygienist or dentist know. This will allow them to take the necessary measures to ensure that your experience is more comfortable.
How to Reduce Discomfort During Teeth Cleanings
If you have teeth that are more sensitive than usual and teeth cleanings are uncomfortable for you, there are some measures you can take, such as:
- Numbing –By numbing the area with a dental anesthetic before your dental cleaning begins, this will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort.
- Pain relievers – Ask your dentist about taking over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Not only will this minimize discomfort, but it will also lessen inflammation.
- Oral hygiene – By brushing twice and flossing your teeth once daily, this will help prevent gum disease and cavities, which can lead to pain when having your teeth cleaned.
- Sensitivity toothpaste – Desensitizing toothpaste can be used for those with sensitive teeth to reduce discomfort. It will probably take a few weeks before you notice a difference.
- Brush gently – Overbrushing can damage your tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to lessen the potential for enamel damage. Additionally, use toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your beam.
- Electric toothbrush –Electric toothbrushes are more effective at plaque removal than traditional ones. This lowers your risk of tooth decay. Additionally, they do most of the work for you. This means that using one can help you brush more gently to avoid damaging your enamel.
About the Practice
Wiese Dental is located in Sachse and gives patients living in the surrounding communities a variety of treatment options, including preventive teeth cleanings. Biannual cleanings and checkups will help keep your smile free of cavities and other oral health issues. They can also give you advice on how to better care for your beam at home. If you are interested in learning more about their services or want to set up an appointment with Wiese Dental, visit their website or call their office at (972) 414-7195.