If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about your upcoming cleaning. One of the most common concerns patients have is whether a professional teeth cleaning will hurt. The good news is that most cleanings are not painful, and dentists take many steps to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment.

Understanding what happens during a cleaning—and how to prepare—can help ease anxiety and make the experience much more manageable.

Cavities don’t always form on the visible surfaces of your teeth. In fact, many start in the tight spaces between your teeth, where brushing alone can’t always reach. These “interproximal cavities” are common and can be tricky to spot early on. The sooner you detect them, the easier they are to treat—often before they turn into painful problems. Here’s how to recognize the signs that you may have a cavity forming between your teeth.