Teeth cleanings are a vital part of our oral health regime; however, there is often a concern among patients that this procedure will cause pain or discomfort. Fortunately, teeth cleaning is typically only mildly uncomfortable or even painless when the patient has healthy teeth and gums. However, if an individual has any irritation due to gum inflammation, calculus buildup, tooth decay or other signs of oral disease, the process can be much more uncomfortable. If a patient finds that they are experiencing significant discomfort during their dental cleaning, it is likely linked to underlying issues in the mouth requiring additional treatment.