Teeth Cleaning

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Professional teeth cleaning is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

• Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious gum disease. 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 catch potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• 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 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 patients with periodontitis. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools our doctors can use to effectively halt its progression. Depending on the condition of your gums, you may need a deeper cleaning than just a regular prophylaxis. We will determine this at your first visit.