Keeping up with routine teeth cleanings isn’t just about having a polished, sparkling smile—it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral and overall health. Despite the benefits, many people feel anxious about having their teeth cleaned, especially if they’ve gone a while between dental checkups. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to reduce discomfort and ensure that your upcoming visit is as pleasant as possible. Here’s what you need to know.
A Close Look at What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning
As mentioned, your routine dental visits serve an important, two-fold purpose; they allow your dentist and their team to clean your teeth, helping them to look and feel their best; just as importantly, though, they also grant the opportunity for your dentist to scope out any potential problems with your smile. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be addressed with brushing and flossing alone, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss over time.
Even if you brush and floss diligently at home, certain problems can still develop and remain hidden from you—only your dentist’s trained eyes can catch them before they worsen and develop into costly, complex issues that you must deal with.
Your dentist (or the hygienist performing the cleaning) will use special instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar, and they’ll also thoroughly brush, floss, and clean your whole mouth. A fluoride treatment is also often administered to provide further protection for your teeth. Rest assured, these visits are designed to be as stress-free and pain-free as possible, though some sensitivity might occur.
How Can I Ensure a Smooth Dental Visit?
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that every time you go in for a checkup and cleaning, it’s a positive experience that has you feeling good about each return visit:
- Stay consistent with your dental visits, going every six months. This will lead to less buildup on your teeth, which in turn makes every cleaning session easier.
- Brush and floss regularly at home to reduce plaque and inflammation, which can lessen sensitivity during your dental appointments.
- Let your dentist or hygienist know if you’re feeling nervous or anxious; they can provide specific accommodations to make things easier on you, including taking breaks or using a numbing agent.
- Avoid overly cold or sugary foods and drinks right before (and after) your visit, as they can temporarily increase dental sensitivity.
At the end of the day, teeth cleanings are one of the best things you can do for your health—and your dentist will do what they can to help ensure these visits are smooth, productive, and leave you feeling confident about your smile’s future.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Sandra Crowley-Le, our team here at Holden Dental Care has proudly served the needs of patients and families in the area for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule a routine checkup for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 829-2642.