Is dental hygiene painful? What you actually feel — and how to make it easier

Short answer: for most patients the appointment is very comfortable. Longer answer: it depends on the state of your gums, how long it has been since your last visit, and — most importantly — who is treating you and with what. Fear of pain is the most common reason patients postpone a hygiene appointment, and paradoxically it is exactly what makes the next visit less pleasant.

What you actually feel

• PIEZON® ultrasound — a gentle humming sound, cool water and mild vibration. The NO PAIN technology allows precise work even below the gumline.
• AIRFLOW® — a jet of warm water, air and fine erythritol powder. You feel pressure and a cool sensation, not pain. Substantially gentler than the older sodium-bicarbonate powders.
• Periodontal probing — with healthy gums you barely notice it; inflamed gums may sting briefly and bleed a little.
• Polishing and fluoride — simply the pleasant sensation of smooth, clean teeth.

When it can be less comfortable

Three situations can make the appointment more sensitive: heavily inflamed gums, exposed root surfaces and years of accumulated tartar. In each case we adapt the pace and intensity of treatment to your comfort, split it into two visits if needed, and can apply a desensitising gel before starting.

How to make it easier

Start using interdental brushes daily two weeks before your visit — inflammation calms down and bleeding is reduced. Avoid acidic food and drink an hour before the appointment. Tell us in advance if you have sensitive teeth or dental anxiety; we will slow down, take breaks and talk you through every step. Many patients find that listening to music through headphones makes the sound of the ultrasound disappear entirely.

Regularity is the best form of comfort

Patients who come twice a year almost never experience an uncomfortable appointment — there is very little tartar to remove and their gums are calm. Uncomfortable visits are almost always the story of a first appointment after many years.