Do Dental Checkups Hurt? They Shouldn’t, but Here Are 4 Reasons Why Yours Might

Dental checkups and cleanings shouldn’t hurt. These biannual appointments are for the team at Carrington Square Dental to monitor your oral health and refresh your smile. If you notice pain while we examine or clean your teeth, that’s your body’s signal that something is off. Our dental detectives can get to the bottom of it. Explore four of the most common culprits below. 

1. Poor Technique

The problem may be how you’ve been going about your routine—or because you haven’t been going about your routine. Improper brushing or flossing techniques can cause a buildup of plaque and tartar, making cleanings more uncomfortable. 

When plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by our professional hygienists during your dental checkup and cleaning, and the process can be painful if there’s a lot to remove. To prevent this:

• Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can irritate your gums and wear down enamel.
• Floss Correctly: Slide the floss gently between your teeth and move it up and down against the tooth surface. Don’t snap it into your gums. 

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease can make routine care painful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of adults 30 and older have some form of the disease. If your gums are inflamed, swollen, or bleeding, it’s not surprising that a checkup and cleaning might hurt. 

Preventing gum disease means prioritizing the following:

• • Regular Cleanings: Visit us every six months for a professional cleaning.
  • Daily Care: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your gums healthy.
  • Healthy Diet: Reduce sugar intake and eat a balanced diet to support gum health.
  • Deep Dental Cleaning: A scaling and root planing treatment can halt gum disease.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, or other factors like tooth decay and gum disease. Even just having your mouth open long enough for our Waxhaw dentist to perform your dental checkup could cause discomfort. 

Managing tooth sensitivity involves both at-home care and professional treatments:

• Desensitizing Toothpaste: Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help block pain signals.
• Fluoride Treatments: We might recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
• Avoid Acidic Foods: Limit foods and drinks that can erode enamel, like citrus and soda.

4. Hidden Dental Issues

Our biggest concern with pain during teeth cleanings and dental checkups is an underlying issue like a cavity, crack, or other oral health problem. Regular dental visits to Carrington Square Dental are essential for catching these issues early.

• Dental Checkups: Schedule biannual visits to our Waxhaw dental office for comprehensive exams.
• X-Rays and Screenings: These can uncover hidden issues that a visual exam might miss.
• Prompt Treatment: Addressing problems early can prevent them from becoming more severe and painful.

Pain Is a Sign You Need More than Routine Care

If your regular dental checkups and cleanings cause you pain, you need more attention. Talk to our team at Carrington Square Dental if your experience hurts, and we can take immediate action to trace the source and treat the problem. Schedule your exam today!