What is Dental Prophylaxis?
Dental prophylaxis (or dental cleaning) is a professional cleaning procedure that removes plaque‚ tartar‚ and stains from the surface of the teeth․ Despite proper daily oral hygiene‚ there can still be substantial plaque and calculus that remain after at-home oral care․ A professional cleaning helps keep these areas clean‚ and allows your dental team to check for early signs of oral health problems․
Plaque is the sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth․ The bacteria in plaque can cause tooth decay and irritation of the gums from the acid that the bacteria produces․ When plaque is not removed from your teeth, it hardens into tartar or calculus. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone; it must be done with professional equipment․
During prophylaxis‚ the dental hygienist uses special instruments to carefully remove calculus from your teeth above and below the gumline‚ and may also use a tool to clean between your teeth․ Your teeth are polished by instruments that smooth the surfaces and remove the stains that you are not able to remove with brushing alone․
Dental prophylaxis is the best treatment plan for people with healthy gums or the mildest forms of gingivitis. Mild gingivitis can be treated with routine preventive dental care and stopped before it advances to periodontitis․ People with established periodontal disease are better off receiving periodontal maintenance or other treatments that directly treat bacteria and deposits below the gumline and deeper within the tissue․
A dental cleaning is also an opportunity for your dental team to check for changes in your mouth․ The hygienist typically sees areas of inflammation‚ bleeding‚ build-up, or other conditions as they clean your teeth․ If something turns up that needs closer observation‚ your dentist may conduct a more detailed examination․ Be sure to talk to the dental hygienist before your cleaning if you have sensitive teeth or gums. If you are uncomfortable during the cleaning, they can work with you to minimize discomfort․
Your prophylaxis appointments should be scheduled based on your individual needs․ Most patients with healthy teeth and gums benefit from professional cleanings every six months․ However‚ your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups if you’re at a higher risk for cavities‚ gum disease‚ heavy tartar buildup, or other dental problems․
At-home oral maintenance is important too․ When you brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth every day‚ you remove plaque before it hardens into tartar‚ or calculus․ Fluoride toothpaste may strengthen your enamel and help lower your chances of tooth decay․
Dental prophylaxis helps prevent cavities and periodontal disease by removing harmful materials from teeth on a regular basis․ In addition‚ it allows your dental care team to monitor your mouth․ Routinely scheduled professional cleanings and proper home care will help keep your teeth and gums in good condition between professional visits․
If you have more questions about periodontal maintenance or how it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if periodontal maintenance is a part of the best treatment plan for you.
Related Article: Periodontal Maintenance Procedure