Getting your teeth cleaned is a normal part of regular oral hygiene, but it does make some people anxious. One of the most common concerns is that the process will be painful, but it really shouldn’t be. A regular dental cleaning is non-invasive and simply helps to augment your daily routine by removing bacteria and plaque that may have been missed over the past six months. However, some mitigating circumstances may cause increased sensitivity during your office visit. So, overall, is teeth cleaning painful?

Is Teeth Cleaning Painful?

If it’s been more than six months since your teeth were professionally cleaned or your gums are inflamed due to inadequate flossing, there is a chance that you may experience some of this sensitivity. Your gums may feel tender, and they may even bleed. However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it to re-establish your oral health. By simply discussing the specifics of your care with your general dentist in Cerritos prior to the start of your cleaning, you can actually keep your next dental cleaning pain-free.

All you have to do is be honest about your concerns. Tell your dentist when your last professional cleaning was and ask them to take steps to prevent discomfort during the process. Based on your case, your Cerritos dentist will be able to apply the necessary topical anesthetics to keep you comfortable. These may take the form of medicated gels or rinses. They’re easy to apply and fast-acting. Before you know it, your gums will be numb enough to allow your dental hygienist to give your teeth the cleaning they need without any discomfort.

Preventing Discomfort During Dental Cleanings

Although topical anesthetics are useful for ensuring comfort, the easiest way to prevent painful cleanings is to follow a thorough and predictable dental hygiene regimen. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes each time. This removes food particles and the beginnings of plaque, helping to prevent tooth decay
• Flossing once per day especially along the curve of your gums to remove bacteria from sensitive gum tissue, preventing tooth decay and gingivitis
• Using mouthwash once per day to help eliminate harmful bacteria in the oral cavity
• Receiving a professional dental cleaning at least once every six months to remove anything you’ve missed and catch any potential problems

It may seem like a lot when you’re already juggling your professional and family life. However, these four actions can make the difference between a lifetime of healthy teeth and years of uncomfortable dental work.

The Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene

The truth is that none of us are perfect. Even a person who diligently brushes and flosses daily will miss important areas. This could result in serious oral health issues if left unchecked. Over time you run the risk of developing serious tooth decay or gum disease that could ultimately result in tooth loss. That is why your bi-annual teeth cleaning in Cerritos is so vital to your general health.

Given that plaque hardens in about 48 hours, just a day or two of less-than-perfect habits could result in build-up that you can’t remove on your own. Fortunately, your local dentist has the tools and the expertise to remove plaque without damaging your teeth or your gums. Without professional intervention, microscopic bacteria and food particles can easily develop into tooth decay and gingivitis. And it will only get worse over time.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Both tooth decay and gingivitis can lead to increased sensitivity and bleeding during dental cleanings. Ultimately, avoiding dental cleanings over the fear of discomfort can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If your primary concern is discomfort and anxiety, then it is in your best interest to begin that conversation with your dentist now.

Modern dentistry has access to a whole host of tools. These can help assuage your anxiety and decrease the odds that you will feel any discomfort during care. Talk to your local dentist in Cerritos today to find out what they can do to help get your oral health back under control.