Does Teeth Cleaning Hurt?

Good dental hygiene habits include going to the dentist for regular dental cleanings. If you hesitate booking teeth cleanings thinking they might be painful, the answer is they shouldn’t. However, several factors can contribute to the pain or discomfort.

Having dental fears or anxieties, for example, can cause you to feel nervous or uneasy about being in the dental chair. But know that your dentist and dental hygienist want you to feel at ease during your appointment and are happy to work with you to make you feel better.

Here at Princess Dental in Brandon, MB, we regularly perform teeth cleanings as a preventative measure. Even with daily brushing and flossing, deposits can still build up on the surfaces of the teeth. These deposits, called tartar, can only be removed using special tools at the dental office.

Making teeth cleanings more comfortable

Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable during teeth cleanings.

1. Let your dental team know. If anxieties or fears keep you from getting dental hygiene cleanings, talk to your dentist or hygienist about it. Your dental team can work with you so you can receive dental care treatments that you need comfortably. You can arrange to get an anesthetic or numbing cream before or during your appointment so you can relax throughout your visit.

2. Agree on a hand signal. Here at Princess Dental, communication is key in keeping our patients relaxed throughout their visit. Before your dental cleaning begins, we can agree on a hand signal so we know if you feel any pain or discomfort or need a break. Please let us know what we can do for you. We’re here to help minimize any dental-related discomfort.

3. Choose a hygienist. It’s okay to request a specific hygienist for your dental cleanings. We’re happy to set you up an appointment with your preferred Dental Hygienist and help you find a schedule that works. We understand you want to receive treatment from a professional that you feel comfortable with.

4. Avoid over-brushing. When brushing, be thorough but gentle. Aggressive brushing can thin down the enamel and cause your teeth to become sensitive. Heightened tooth sensitivity can contribute to discomfort or pain during and after a dental cleaning.

5. Brush and floss thoroughly. Having infected gums, receding gums or weakened teeth can also cause sensitivity during cleanings. Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing correctly. Prevent gum disease and gum recession to make dental treatments more comfortable.

6. Book your appointment early. Request to book your appointment at quiet or less busy hours of the day. That could be in the morning or during early afternoons. A more peaceful environment can help you feel more relaxed. Reducing the wait time can also keep you from thinking about your appointment for too long.

Should you avoid teeth cleanings if they hurt?

What happens if you keep avoiding teeth cleaning because they hurt or you find dental visits uncomfortable?

Tooth sensitivity and gum disease can cause pain and discomfort that some mistakenly attribute to dental cleanings. Delaying or missing hygiene appointments can worsen these issues and make your next dental procedures more uncomfortable.

If brushing, flossing, and teeth cleaning hurt, seeing your dentist is the best way to find the right solution. During your appointment, your dentist and hygienist examine your mouth, spot potential issues, and address them before they progress.

Book your teeth cleaning appointment in Brandon, MB

The more you care for your teeth, the less extensive your dental cleanings need to be, and the less time you also have to spend at the dental office.

Dental cleanings shouldn’t hurt and with the help of your dental team, you can keep them from causing discomfort.