A dental cleaning scheduled once every six months is a great way to make sure that your teeth are free of cavities and tartar. However, cleanings can be quite uncomfortable. If you find yourself skipping your cleaning appointment due to the fact that the cleaning is uncomfortable, then keep reading to learn about some things that can help.
Clean More Thoroughly At Home
Your dental cleanings may be painful if you are lax about your oral care at home. This is especially true if your gums bleed and ache during the treatment, and poor flossing habits are typically the cause. If you do not floss, then the gums will become inflamed and infected. When the infected gums are scraped with the floss during your cleaning, they tear open and bleed, causing pain. It may seem as though the dental hygienist is not gentle enough, but this is not the case. They are simply trying to perform a deep cleaning that will prevent the formation of gingivitis or periodontitis.
To prevent the pain, you should be flossing at home. Use a wax-coated floss that slides easily along the edges of the teeth. Pull the floss tight against the side of each tooth and slip it down under the gum line. If you feel a stinging sensation and see some blood, then use a saltwater rinse to soothe the discomfort afterward. Stay away from all alcohol-containing products, like mouthwash, and drink cool fluids during the day to minimize gum swelling.
As the gums are cleaned consistently, you will notice less and less discomfort over time.
Ask About A Numbing Gel
Some people have sensitive teeth and gums. This is especially true if the tooth roots are exposed due to gum loss and the natural aging process. To reduce this type of discomfort, you want to ask your dentist about the use of numbing gels or creams. The topical anesthetics, which are often used to numb the gums before the use of an injectable anesthetic, can be placed over the gums in a thin layer. This numbs them so the cleaning is less painful.
Numbing gels typically provide relief for only about 15 minutes. So, if you feel pain and think the anesthetic is wearing off, alert your dental hygienist so that additional gel can be used.
If you want to know more about dental cleanings and the types of things that can be done to make them pain-free, speak with your general dentist.
Share26 March 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.