{"id":39,"date":"2024-10-11T18:18:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T18:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.friscodentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=39"},"modified":"2024-11-15T18:20:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T18:20:50","slug":"sensitive-smiles-do-dental-cleanings-hurt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.friscodentalcare.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/11\/sensitive-smiles-do-dental-cleanings-hurt\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensitive Smiles: Do Dental Cleanings Hurt?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve been avoiding scheduling a dental appointment out of anxiety, you\u2019re not alone. An estimated 36% of Americans feel apprehensive about having work done on their teeth or gums. However, if your fear is too overwhelming, you might avoid even basic procedures<\/a> that help safeguard your smile, like routine checkups and cleanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s natural to avoid treatments that you\u2019re concerned will be long or agonizing, but thankfully, that\u2019s not usually the case with a standard visit. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect and why you can set your worries aside!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Do Dental Cleanings Hurt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential for removing plaque and bacteria buildup on a daily basis, but there are areas in your mouth that you can\u2019t see and are difficult to access. Seeing your dentist every six months allows them to monitor your condition so if there are any areas of concern, like early signs of cavities or gum disease, they can address them before they progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, many people go for long periods of time between professional cleanings, leading to additional tartar on their teeth. While your dentist can apply a local anesthetic to numb the area for your appointment, it\u2019s normal to experience some mild to moderate sensitivity afterward as more of your enamel is exposed. Plus, your jaw might feel a little sore after holding your mouth open for longer than you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, any discomfort fades relatively quickly (within a day or two), but if your pain persists or worsens, contact your provider to let them know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Prevent Pain from a Dental Cleaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to mitigate any potential adverse effects from your dental appointment. To reduce any throbbing, you can try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n