If you dread having your teeth cleaned, it's time to take a different approach. Dental cleanings are an important way to ensure good oral hygiene. If you suffer from pain during your dental cleanings, you may try to postpone them for as long as possible. That's not good practice for your teeth or for your gums. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make dental cleanings more comfortable. Here are four of those tips to help get you started. 

Talk to Your Dentist

If you've had painful experiences during past dental cleanings, now's the time to talk to your dentist. This is especially important if you've developed a dental phobia from past dental cleanings. Your dentist can work with you to make the experience less painful. Two options include pain medication and numbing agents. If your dental phobias prevent you from getting your teeth cleaned, your dentist can also provide you with a mild sedative. That way, you can calm your nerves before your appointment. 

Switch Toothpaste

If your dental cleanings turn into painful experiences, you might try switching toothpaste. You might not think that toothpaste would be able to make dental cleanings more bearable, but it can. This is especially true if you switch to a desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste can make your teeth and gums less sensitive. As a result, you'll feel less discomfort during your dental cleanings. 

Increase Frequency

If you avoid dental cleanings because they're too painful, that might be part of the problem. Delaying your dental cleanings can actually increase discomfort. There are a couple of reasons why this happens. First, plaque and tartar have less time to build up on your teeth. Second, your gums and teeth become accustomed to the cleanings. Finally, frequent dental cleanings help you overcome the anxiety you experience during your office visits. 

Protect Your Gums

If you want to ensure a more comfortable experience during your dental cleanings, be sure to protect your gums. Gum problems can increase the discomfort you feel during dental cleanings. This is especially true if you have gum disease or receding gums. One way to protect your gums is to brush and floss several times a day. It's also a good idea to use a medicated dental rinse at least once a day. These steps will make your gums healthier. They'll also help you reduce the pain you feel during your dental cleanings.

If you need more info, talk to your dentist.