Teeth Cleaning

Dental Prophylaxis

A woman having her teeth cleanedA dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure for maintaining oral health and halting the progression of gum disease.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

  • Plaque removal. Tartar (also known as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can lead to serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist, using specialized dental equipment, is necessary to detect potentially damaging buildup.
  • A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment for removing these unsightly stains from the teeth.
  • Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce the risk of infection.

Professional dental cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers and those who quickly develop heavy calculus buildup. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one tool doctors can use to effectively slow or halt its progression.