Going to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. Naturally, you may be wondering what to expect, or more specifically if your treatment will hurt. If the fear of pain is holding you back or giving you anxiety, here’s how to make your next biannual exam more comfortable.
Preempt Pain
While dental exams and cleanings themselves shouldn’t be painful, if it’s been a long time since you’ve had your teeth professionally cleaned, you may feel some gum tenderness, especially as your gingival pockets are measured and your gums are flossed. If you are concerned about this type of discomfort, you can take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment to help preemptively stop sensitivity.
Another way you can reduce pain during your cleaning is to switch over to a sensitive toothpaste a week or so prior to your appointment. This will help reduce your risk of discomfort and help minimize sensitivity after your cleaning.
Do Try this at Home
In the days and weeks leading to your dental appointment, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using any other accessories you want to incorporate, like a tongue scraper, water flosser, or mouthwash. This will not only make it easier for your hygienist to do your cleaning, but it can also make your teeth and gums less sensitive too.
Skip the Whitening
Don’t worry about impressing your dental team with your gleaming white smile. They’re not here to judge you! If your teeth look a little less than lustrous, your cleaning can help remove built up plaque and tartar that could be causing discoloration, and if that’s still not enough, you can discuss professional whitening with your dentist after your cleaning is complete. The problem with whitening before your appointment is complete is twofold: first, you are putting your teeth at risk for sensitivity, which could make your cleaning very uncomfortable, and second, your whitening won’t be as effective if it must penetrate layers of plaque before it can even reach your teeth!
Remember, your dental check-up and cleaning shouldn’t be painful, but it could cause minor discomfort, especially if you haven’t had one in a while. If you’re concerned about experiencing sensitivity during your next appointment, try these tips to help you leave feeling great!
About Our Practice
At Transforming Smiles, we use state-of-the-art technology mixed with good old-fashioned care to help make our patients feel safe, comfortable, and healthy. We also understand that a beautiful smile can often be just as important as a healthy mouth, so we take the time to listen and help you achieve your oral health goals. Whether you need a check-up and cleaning, a restorative procedure, or you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, our highly skilled dentists and dental team are ready to assist you.
To schedule an appointment for your biannual exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us today at 770-995-7616.