Dental cleanings are standard practice for many people and are not painful. They might be somewhat uncomfortable, as the dentist uses special tools to look closely at your teeth and gums to inspect for areas of concern, like cavities, decay, or receding gums. A dental checkup is not just about your teeth, but your overall oral health, which is vital to healthy living and good self-care.
For the cleaning part of your visit, after the dentist has given an inspection of your teeth and gums, they will work to eliminate plaque buildup on your teeth, they will often floss, remove tartar, polish the teeth with brushing, rise to eliminate the residue, and have you spit out water. They also might use a suction tool to help eliminate saliva while they work. Most check-up and cleaning appointments won’t last longer than about an hour.