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Why Does It Hurt When You Get Dental Cleaning

Sometimes people don’t go to the dentist for routine cleanings because they’re afraid of the pain, and sometimes that’s justified. The good news is that dental cleanings don’t have to hurt, and much of the decision is up to you. 

The biggest thing to know is that dental cleanings don’t have to hurt! Much of the pain depends on your dentist and hygienist and skill and care, but a lot of it has to do with your own oral health. If you want a pain-free cleaning, find a good dentist, and practice good oral hygiene.

We’re not going to tell you it’s always your fault when you get an uncomfortable dental cleaning because that’s not entirely true. However, the vast majority of problems are. We’ve heard stories of dentist visits where patients claim they brush and floss every day, but they just can’t stop the bleeding from cleaning their teeth.

Here are some of the causes of pain during dental cleaning:

1. Sensitive Teeth

You’ll know you have gum disease when your gums pull away from the teeth and expose the roots of the tooth. Your gums become much more sensitive to both touching and hot and cold water during this period. Dentists and hygienists will poke, prod, and examine your teeth to check the extent of the damage and treat it appropriately.

2. Sore and Bleeding Gums

Normal gum health is called gingivitis when the gingiva is swollen and tender. The gingiva is full of blood vessels, and when they’re swollen and tender and brush against harsh cleaning implements, they can burst and bleed. 

This can turn into periodontitis, where the gingiva is inflamed and pulling away from your teeth’ roots. By keeping your teeth clean with brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you can develop strong and healthy gums that won’t have these problems.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common ailments of people with poor oral hygiene, and it can make teeth cleaning painful. It is an infection that attacks gums and bones around the roots of the teeth. 

Gum disease symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, gaps between teeth, bad breath, changes in your bite alignment, tartar buildup, and sensitivity to your teeth. The best way to combat this problem is to brush and floss daily and use mouthwash.

4. Irregular Brushing and Flossing

If your teeth are covered in plaque or tartar, the dental hygienist will use a scraper to remove them. If your teeth aren’t as clean as you hoped to get them for your appointment, the hygienist can also use a high-pressure stream of air to blast the plaque away. 

Depending on the severity of your plaque and tartar buildup, a dental cleaning can either be a painless procedure or one of the most painful experiences of your life.

Telling Your Dentist about Painful Dental Cleaning

Some of the pain you experience during a dental cleaning can be due to poor oral hygiene, but that does not mean you need to tough it out and accept it. If you’re hurting, tell the hygienist, who will do her best to make sure you are comfortable.

Galleria Dental Arts provide quality dental care to patients in the Manassas and Northern VA area, focusing on a comprehensive approach to oral health. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and more. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care to patients of all ages and do so using advanced dental equipment. If you need dental cleaning services in Manassas, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!

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If you have questions about Galleria Dental Arts, get in touch with our friendly team today at (703) 368-9777.