As you may know, dentists typically recommend coming in for preventive care at least twice a year. However, many people see their dentist less often than that, and some rarely go at all.
One of the nice things about dental care is that there’s never a bad time to start. However, some people are a little bit reticent to get back in the dental chair because they’re worried that their next dental cleaning will be a little bit uncomfortable.
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry much about that. Here’s what you should know.
Are Dental Cleanings Painful?
If you’re someone who takes good care of your teeth, routine dental cleanings are nothing to be afraid of. The fact is that cleaning the teeth doesn’t carry any inherent risk of pain. However, if you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, you’ve very likely got some serious plaque deposits on the teeth.
Clearing off built up tartar can potentially involve some discomfort. However, as with any dental treatment, your dentist is also happy to use local anesthetics to numb your mouth before beginning a cleaning that could be uncomfortable.
With this being the case, you don’t have to worry all that much about pain during a dental cleaning. So long as you communicate well with your dentist and are honest about when your last cleaning was, they’ll be able to keep you comfortable.
Why Dental Cleanings are Important
You should make an effort to make it to at least two dental cleanings a year if you want to keep your oral health in good condition. No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, there are places in your mouth that you’re not going to be able to reach on your own. For that reason, you’re likely to develop tartar buildup if you don’t have professional cleanings occasionally.
When bacteria are allowed to buildup, you put yourself at an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. So if you want your oral health to be the best that it can be, you should make a biannual cleaning a part of your dental routine.
About the Author
One of the things that Dr. Roel Valadez, Jr. loves most about being a dentist in a small town is that it affords him the ability to get to know his patients on a personal level while improving their oral health. He also feels enormously privileged to be able to work alongside his incredible dental team every day to practice remarkable dental care. Dr. Valadez received his degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and works to better his clinical skills each day.
If you have any questions about preventive care, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (361) 664-3057.