Does It Hurt to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

When was the last time you saw your dentist? If you can’t remember, that’s not a good sign. Most people need to have a routine dental checkup and cleaning twice a year to keep their smiles in great shape. If it has been more than six months since your last appointment, you might have forgotten what it’s like. You may be wondering, “Do teeth cleanings hurt?” Continue reading to find out.

Are Teeth Cleanings Supposed to Hurt?

The short answer – no, getting your teeth cleaned shouldn’t be painful. However, some conditions might cause you to experience sensitivity during your cleaning. If you have a cavity or gum inflammation, for example, you might feel some discomfort as the hygienist cleans your teeth. The same thing may occur if you have sensitive teeth in general.

If you do end up experiencing pain during your teeth cleaning, let the dentist or hygienist know right away. They’ll take whatever steps are necessary to ensure you’re completely comfortable.

How to Keep Teeth Cleanings from Hurting

To reduce your sensitivity during teeth cleanings, you can take some of the following steps:

• Take ibuprofen – This over-the-counter pain reliever also reduces inflammation, which can prevent discomfort during cleanings. Just be sure to mention to your dental team that you’ve taken it.
• Ask about local anesthetic – If your mouth does start hurting at your visit, ask the team if they can administer a topical anesthetic. This medicine will numb your mouth and make the whole experience more pleasant for you.
• Start using sensitivity toothpaste – The next time you go to the grocery store, pick up a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash (your dentist can recommend certain brands). It may take a few weeks of daily use, but eventually, your teeth shouldn’t be nearly as sensitive.
• Keep up with your oral hygiene – Remember to brush and floss after each meal and snack. At the very least, brush twice a day and floss before going to bed. The better your oral hygiene is, the more comfortable your teeth cleanings will be.  
• Be gentle when brushing – Brushing with too much force can wear down your tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity. Be extremely gentle with your toothbrush.
• Use an electric toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes do much of the work for you, which helps you brush more gently. In fact, many electric brushes are specifically designed to reduce sensitivity.

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned shouldn’t hurt, but if it does, talk to your dentist. By working with them, and following some of the tips listed above, your next dental checkup and cleaning should be a breeze!

About the Practice

At Faist & Koops Family Dentistry, Drs. Jerome Faist and Jed Koops provide a wide range of dental treatments under one roof to families in the Beachwood, OH community. They dedicate themselves to making their patients feel as comfortable as possible during their visits, and will do their utmost to keep your teeth cleanings from causing pain. If it’s time for your next dental checkup and cleaning, visit their website or call their office at (216) 464-2448 to schedule an appointment today!