Although the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup, only an estimated 46% of adults adhere to this schedule. This may be partly because many people experience anxiety when it comes to dental work, especially if they’re scared it might hurt.
If you’re considering getting your teeth professionally cleaned and are concerned about the possibility of developing sensitivity or aches, continue reading to learn 3 helpful tips to prevent potential discomfort!
Tip #1: Improve Your At-Home Dental Hygiene Routine
It’s not uncommon to develop some mild tenderness after a standard checkup and cleaning if it’s been a while since you’ve had one. Your hygienist uses special instruments to remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar from your enamel and gumline, which might even bleed if it’s been building up for a longer period.
This can fortunately be avoided by enhancing your at-home dental routine. Twice daily, you should brush your teeth for a full two minutes before flossing carefully between them. Consistently clearing away unwanted residue makes them more resilient so they’ll feel less raw during your next dental appointment.
Tip #2: Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
You can also prevent aches after your visit by taking commercial pain killers before arriving for your appointment. Usually, it’s safe to take options like Tylenol or ibuprofen about an hour before your procedure so that the effects kick in by the time you sit down in the dentist’s chair. This can help minimize potentially adverse sensations both during and following your visit.
If you’re still overly anxious or concerned about pain, you can ask your dentist whether they can numb the area or offer sedatives. Many providers offer various medications that help you feel calm and comfortable without “knocking you out” to ease even the most frayed nerves. You might pay more for the service, but these options can help you complete your exam successfully.
Tip #3: Schedule Routine Cleanings
One of the most effective ways to avoid feeling sensitive after routine dental visits is to schedule them more consistently. The more often plaque and residue are cleared from your enamel and gums, the more resilient they become. They’ll eventually start to feel less sore during brushing and flossing, and will bleed and ache less during basic exams and cleanings.
If you’re still scared about pain during your dental cleaning, be sure to let your provider know before the begin working. Most dentists are more than happy to do everything they can to provide a comfortable, stress-free experience.
About the Practice
At Roswell Modern Dentistry, you and your family benefit from two dentists eager to help you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Kakadia and Dr. Kataria collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location. Whether you require basic services or a more complex procedure, they have the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. They also offer sedatives to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit. You can request an appointment on the website or call (770) 993-6893.
