Routine dental cleanings play a key role in protecting your oral health. By helping to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, regular cleanings can also support keeping your natural teeth longer while contributing to your overall wellness.
If quite a while has passed since your last dental visit, you might be asking yourself whether a professional cleaning appointment will be uncomfortable. Below, we walk through what typically happens during a routine visit and address the level of discomfort you can generally expect.
Understanding what a cleaning involves, along with how to prepare beforehand and manage any soreness afterward, can help you feel more at ease when appointment day arrives.
Why Routine Teeth Cleanings Matter
According to the American Dental Association, most people benefit from scheduling a cleaning and exam once every six months. These regular visits give your dentist or hygienist the chance to track the condition of your teeth and gums as time goes on.
A thorough cleaning clears plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, which keeps bacteria from accumulating and can lower your risk of cavities and gum disease. When plaque is left in place, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate the gum tissue and eventually lead to infection.
For patients who already have gum disease or tooth decay, consistent cleanings give the dental team an opportunity to address these issues early, before they progress into something more serious. Those managing periodontal disease may also be advised to come in for cleanings more often than the typical six month interval.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning
Ahead of your visit, it’s helpful to tell your dentist or hygienist about any health conditions you have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
In most cases, a dental cleaning causes little to no discomfort and does not require anesthetic. Your hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, including tenderness, bleeding, or inflammation, and X-rays may also be taken for your dentist to review.
A typical cleaning generally follows these steps:
- Plaque removal with an ultrasonic scaler, a handheld tool that uses rapid vibrations to loosen plaque and tartar.
- A handheld scraper to manually clear away any plaque and tartar left behind.
- Polishing of the teeth.
- A thorough flossing.
Is Dental Cleaning Painful?
For a routine appointment, the likelihood of experiencing real pain is low. When proper technique and care are used, most healthy patients can expect a smooth and largely painless cleaning.
You typically won’t need to make any special preparations before a routine cleaning, so just brush and floss as you normally would before heading to your appointment.
Managing Dental Anxiety or Tooth and Gum Sensitivity
A small number of patients notice mild discomfort while their teeth are being cleaned. If pain is something you’re worried about, mention it to your dentist or hygienist before the cleaning starts, and if dental anxiety or phobia affects you, let the front desk know when you book your appointment.
When pain is a concern, your provider may apply a desensitizing agent to your gums to make the appointment more comfortable. In cases involving especially sensitive teeth or gums, or a heavier amount of plaque to remove, local anesthesia may be recommended to numb the area.
For patients who feel real apprehension about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can offer another way to ease anxiety and stay calm and relaxed throughout treatment. Options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives may be used to help you relax and can make the appointment feel like it goes by more quickly.
Easing Discomfort Once Your Cleaning Is Done
The majority of patients feel no pain either during or following a cleaning. That said, if you notice tooth sensitivity or gum tenderness afterward, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may offer relief. It can also help to steer clear of very cold or very hot foods and beverages, along with hard foods, until any tenderness fades.
In most cases, any tenderness or sensitivity should fade within a few days. If discomfort continues beyond that, it’s a good idea to call your dentist’s office.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
If you’d like to learn more about keeping your smile in great shape, reach out to our team today at 704-875-1621 to schedule your next appointment.