Do you avoid going to the dentist for routine dental cleanings? If so, why do you avoid these vital visits? Many people avoid them for fears they have or the costs of the services, but others avoid them because dental cleanings hurt. If your mouth hurts a lot when you get your teeth cleaned, you might wonder why you experience so much pain. Here is a guide to help you understand why some people experience pain during cleanings and tips to help you minimize the pain.
The Leading Causes of Pain and Sensitivity During Dental Cleanings
When your teeth, gums, and mouth hurt during dental cleanings, it is most likely due to issues inside your mouth. In many cases, these issues occur from poor oral hygiene. In other cases, they occur from untreated oral issues. Here is a breakdown of some of the causes of pain during dental cleanings.
The first cause is untreated gum disease. Many people suffer from gum disease without even knowing they have it. Gum disease is an infection that affects your teeth and gums. When you develop this infection, it eats away at your gums. As a result, your gums start receding, causing the exposure of the inner parts of your teeth. The inner parts of your teeth contain nerves. When the nerves are exposed, you will feel pain during cleanings. You might also feel a lot of sensitivity when eating or drinking hot and cold things.
Secondly, you can feel pain during cleanings if you suffer from enamel erosion. Enamel erosion is also a common problem that you might not know you have. Your teeth contain enamel, but enamel can wear away over time. When your enamel is not thick enough, it also causes the exposure of the inner parts of your teeth. Again, these parts contain nerves, which can lead to pain during cleanings.
These are the leading causes of tooth sensitivity and pain for most people. You might also feel pain, though, if you have cavities in your mouth. If you have any of these issues, your dentist can treat them. Treating them will lessen the pain during your upcoming dental cleanings.
Ways You Can Minimize the Pain During Your Dental Cleanings
You can also take some steps at home to minimize the pain you feel. The first thing you can do is to switch toothpaste products and toothbrushes. You should always use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. If you do not use these products right now, switch to them. Next, you should start rinsing your mouth with a fluoride rinse each day. Fluoride is the only thing that rebuilds and strengthens the enamel on your teeth, and exposing your teeth to fluoride is essential for a healthy mouth. You can also use a desensitizing agent on your teeth. If you are unsure what to use for this, ask your dentist for recommendations.
Finally, you may want to use some type of pain killer to ease the pain. You can take ibuprofen before attending your cleanings if you want. You can also ask your dentist to use a numbing agent before cleaning your teeth. Pain killers can ease the pain making it more bearable for you.
After reading the common causes of pain during dental cleanings, you might understand why your mouth hurts when they clean your teeth. If you follow the tips listed here, you might be able to minimize the pain you feel during cleanings. These tips can also help you improve your oral health. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a routine dental cleaning, contact a dental office like Family Dentistry Of Woodstock today.
