How to Make Teeth Cleanings Less Painful

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your local dentist for a routine exam and cleaning at least once a year. Unfortunately, some people put off their yearly visit because they worry about discomfort. Don’t let these concerns keep you from visiting your dentist for routine cleanings. Here, we offer a look at what you can do to make your dental cleaning a more comfortable experience before, during, and after.

Inquire About Topical Numbing Cream

If you suffer from sensitivity or anxiety, ask your dentist or hygienist about topical anesthesia. This numbs the tissue, so you won't feel discomfort or irritation while the hygienist is cleaning your teeth. Numbing cream can be especially helpful if you have chapped lips, a canker sore, or a small cut or abrasion on your oral tissue. Be sure to let them know about any issues before your cleaning begins, so your hygienist can take steps to ensure your comfort.

Visit the Dentist for an Exam and Cleaning Regularly

If your gums hurt or bleed during dental cleanings, it's usually a sign you haven't been brushing and flossing enough. It can also be a sign that you aren't getting your professional cleanings frequently enough. To maintain your gum health, be sure to brush twice a day and floss once, adhering to the recommendations from the American Dental Association.

Change Your Toothpaste

As we age, gum recession can leave the more sensitive inner parts of our teeth exposed. When this happens, our teeth are more sensitive to cold, hot, and sweet foods, as well as to physical contact during dental cleanings. A good desensitizing toothpaste with potassium nitrate can help reduce root sensitivity. If you notice sensitivity during your appointments and/or in daily life, be sure to talk to your dentist for recommendations on a good desensitizing toothpaste to use after cleaning.

Know Your Hygienist

Your dental office should have a compassionate team of hygienists and dentists who make you feel comfortable during every appointment. While it doesn’t always feel great to have plaque and tartar buildup removed from your teeth, a good hygienist will take steps to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and that makes all the difference in your experience.

Take Ibuprofen Before Your Appointment

If you have significant plaque and tartar buildup, your gums may swell in response to a thorough cleaning. By taking 600-800 mg of ibuprofen about an hour before your cleaning, as recommended by your doctor or licensed pharmacist, you can reduce discomfort and inflammation. Also consider taking another dose about 6 hours after your appointment to reduce pain and inflammation.

Please note that if you are pregnant, have kidney issues, are taking blood thinners, or are otherwise unsure, check with your doctor or licensed pharmacist before taking ibuprofen.

Listen to Comforting Music or a Podcast

Music can be a powerful distraction, keeping your mind and senses from fixating on the cleaning process. Ask your dentist if you can pop in your earbuds during your procedure. Your favorite playlist or a little peaceful music can help you relax while also blunting the noise of your cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist can tap you on the shoulder if they need your attention.

What to Do If Your Teeth Feel Sensitive After a Cleaning

It’s common to experience sensitive teeth after cleaning. That should fade over the next few days. Scraping away plaque and tartar may expose areas of your teeth, and your gums may also feel tender, especially if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.

To relieve pain after teeth cleaning, your aftercare should include brushing with your desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush. Avoid foods that are too hot, cold, or acidic for the next few days. Also, stay away from sugary foods and drinks until the sensitivity subsides.

Call your dentist if sensitivity doesn’t ease up after a few days, or if you experience pain that’s sharp rather than mild.

A More Comfortable Cleaning Starts With Gentle Dental

At Gentle Dental, we believe good oral health starts with preventative care. Your discomfort or anxiety shouldn’t stand in the way of healthy teeth and gums. You have so many options for a comfortable dental cleaning with Gentle Dental, and our aftercare instructions help you extend that comfort when you get home. We’ll also give you some tips so that next time will be even easier.

A comfortable cleaning begins with a caring dental practice. We encourage you to speak up if you’re uncomfortable during your appointment. And remember, with every routine visit, your cleanings will become quicker, easier, and less stressful. Schedule your dental cleaning with Gentle Dental and discover how comfortable you can be.