Does It Hurt to Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

If it has been a while since your last dental appointment, you may be somewhat nervous about visiting the dentist again. In particular, you may find yourself asking, “Do teeth cleanings hurt?” After all, fear of pain is a major reason why many people avoid the dentist in the first place. As such, knowing what to expect as well as what you can do to make sure that your next dental checkup and cleaning is as pain free as possible can put your mind at ease.

Do Dental Cleanings Hurt?

The short answer is that no, they shouldn’t; your dentist or hygienist will be very gentle as they remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, so there is normally very little discomfort. However, it may be a different story if you have already developed gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues. This can lead to increased sensitivity in your mouth, making your teeth and gums more prone to experiencing pain. Thus, if you haven’t been to a dental office in a while, you should be open with your dentist about the state of your oral health so that they can take the appropriate steps, such as numbing your mouth with a topical anesthetic.

How Can You Prevent Pain at the Dentist?

Generally, taking good care of your teeth will help prevent the oral health issues that cause pain in the first place. In other words, keeping up with your professional cleanings is the best way to make sure they’re painless. This is true even if you’re already dealing with sensitivity; continuing to visit your dentist will help gradually reduce the pain you experience during your appointments.

If you’re still worried about pain or need help staying comfortable, talk to your dentist. They may be able to use modern technology to make your visit a more pleasant one. For example, they may administer an anesthetic using a device called “The Wand” that completes the process before the body even registers that anything is happening.

What if I Avoid the Dentist?

There will be consequences if you let fear of pain keep you away from the dentist’s office. As the plaque and tartar builds up in your mouth, gum disease can develop and cause inflammation throughout your body, contributing to a number of health issues. Also, if gum disease isn’t treated in time, it can break down the tissues holding the teeth in place, and as a result you could end up with a gap in your grin.

A little bit of temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for keeping your smile safe for the long term, and your dentist can help make the experience more comfortable for you.

About the Practice

At Bethel Dental, experienced dentists use the latest technology to provide patients with high quality care that will keep their smiles happy and whole. We utilize The Wand and other advanced instruments that can help minimize pain during your visits. If it has been more than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, you can schedule an appointment with us by visiting our website.