The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning and checkup. Brushing and flossing are effective at keeping your mouth clean, but they aren’t enough to keep preventable issues at bay, like tooth decay and gum disease. A routine cleaning removes the buildup missed by your toothbrush and flossing. You don’t have to worry about a painful treatment because cleanings shouldn’t hurt. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment.
Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Your toothbrush is the most important item you have at home to support your dental health. Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes removes food debris and plaque, but your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere in your mouth. Flossing cleans areas your toothbrush can’t reach, like between your teeth. Daily flossing can keep your gums healthy, but plaque and bacteria can still hide in your mouth.
Semi-annual dental cleanings remove accumulations you can’t reach at home, like below the gum line. A regular cleaning prevents common issues that can affect your oral and general health, like cavities and gum disease.
Besides keeping your teeth clean, your dentist also examines your mouth to look for anything concerning to provide quick care to preserve your smile. Research has shown that every $1 spent on preventative services can save $50 on restorative and emergency care.
Preventative dentistry stops common dental issues from occurring to safeguard your smile and reduce your long-term oral health expenses. If you have dental insurance, your benefits can cover 100% of the cost of cleanings and checkups for only a copayment.
A Dental Cleaning Shouldn’t Hurt
A dental cleaning shouldn’t hurt if your teeth and gums are healthy. However, if it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, you may have a lot of buildup. You might have slight discomfort from pressure or unusual sensations, but you should not experience any outright pain. If your gums are inflamed or you have sensitive teeth, you may be more prone to discomfort. Your dentist can apply numbing gels to block pain signals.
How to Avoid Discomfort During a Cleaning
You can avoid discomfort in the dental chair by committing to good oral hygiene at home. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth twice daily. Floss between each tooth every day, and finish your oral hygiene routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. With the right care at home and routine dental appointments, you’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
About Dr. Dinesh Patel
Dr. Patel earned his dental degree from the State University at Buffalo and has regularly continued his training to provide up-to-date solutions. He focuses on prevention to create healthy, beautiful smiles that last. If you need a cleaning and checkup, request an appointment through his website or call (814) 529-7257.