Dentists work hard to ensure that every patient has a positive experience, improving health outcomes with every visit. They go above and beyond to keep patients calm, comfortable, and satisfied, whether they’re having a root canal, getting teeth whitened, or simply undergoing a standard examination and cleaning.
Every patient’s needs are a little different, though, which is why it’s so important to express any concerns you might have before you undergo a dental procedure. For example, you might suffer from tooth sensitivity that causes you to worry about possible pain during cleaning. Or maybe it’s been a long time since you visited the dentist and you have understandable concerns about the potential difficulties of deep cleaning.
You should never experience pain during a dental cleaning, so if you do, or if you’re worried you might, you need to let your dentist know so that your concerns can be addressed and you can feel comfortable throughout. Here are just a few things you should know about how to ensure little or no pain during your dental cleaning.
Proper At-Home Care
When you neglect your oral health, your dentist and dental hygienist will have to work much harder to keep your mouth healthy and well. Plaque and tartar buildup, tender gums, and the onset of decay or infections could lead to some amount of discomfort or even pain during cleanings. The good news is that you have a lot of power to avoid such incidents.
A strong, healthy, and resilient mouth starts with proper at-home care, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Ideally, these steps should be taken after every meal, but at the very least, you should practice this oral care regimen at least twice a day. If you’re unsure of which products to use or the techniques that will best protect your oral health, dental professionals can offer all kinds of teeth cleaning advice to put you on the right path.
Products for Sensitivity
Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity that causes them to cringe when teeth come in contact with substances that are hot or cold. Such sensitivity could make even the average dental visit for cleaning a source of pain or discomfort. You need to let your dentist know when this is the case.
It’s easy to get used to sensitivity in your daily life – you simply avoid the hot and cold substances that cause you pain. However, you needn’t live this way. There are plenty of products and procedures designed to help reduce sensitivity.
Sensodyne toothpaste is a popular and affordable option for anyone with this problem, and your dentist may also recommend targeted treatments like fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel. The result could be an improvement not only during a dental cleaning, but in your everyday life.
Diet
Certain foods can improve oral health, while others can harm it. For example, calcium can help to strengthen teeth in order to stave off tooth decay and gum disease. Foods and beverages containing sugars and acids can cause a lot of harm, eroding enamel and opening you up to sensitivity, infection, and other undesirable outcomes.
If your diet doesn’t support oral health, you could be acting as your own worst enemy and creating a painful situation when you go for dental cleanings. Don’t forget, bad habits like using tobacco products could also heighten sensitivity and oral health concerns. Now is the time to quit.
Relaxation Techniques
It’s not uncommon to feel nervous when you sit in the dentist’s chair and submit to examination, but if your senses are heightened, you’re going to be hyper-focused on every sensation. Anyone who has anxiety issues will have a better experience during cleanings if they’re able to find ways to relax. One good trick is simply to breathe through your nose during the cleaning and take deep, measured breaths.
Distractions can also help, which is why some patients prefer to listen to music or even watch a movie during their appointment for a cleaning. Dental professionals want you to be comfortable and relaxed during cleanings so that you have the best possible experience, and they’re happy to work with patients and make recommendations to reduce anxiety and pain.
Speak with Dental Professionals
If you experience pain during dental cleanings, you might not know why. After all, you’re not a dental professional. However, when you express your concerns to dentists in Raleigh NC, you have the best chance to get to the bottom of your problem and solve it, reducing pain and ensuring a more pleasant experience every time you go in for cleaning.
