What is Dental Prophylaxis?
Dental prophylaxis is a professional teeth cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and other harmful deposits from your teeth and gums. It’s typically performed by a dental hygienist and is recommended as part of a regular dental check-up every six months.
During a dental prophylaxis procedure, the hygienist will use special tools to clean your teeth and remove any build-up of plaque and tartar that has accumulated on your teeth over time. This process can help to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other common dental problems.
Why is Dental Prophylaxis Important?
Regular dental prophylaxis is essential for maintaining good oral health. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, there are still areas in your mouth that are difficult to clean, and over time, plaque and tartar can build up and cause problems.
If left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, a serious condition that can result in tooth loss, bad breath, and other health problems. By having regular dental prophylaxis, you can remove harmful deposits and prevent gum disease from developing.
In addition to preventing gum disease, dental prophylaxis can also help to remove surface stains from your teeth, leaving your smile looking brighter and more attractive.
What to Expect During a Dental Prophylaxis Procedure?
During a dental prophylaxis procedure, you can expect the following:
- Dental X-rays: Your dentist or hygienist may take dental x-rays to examine your teeth and detect any problems that may not be visible during the cleaning process.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental tools, your hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth and along your gum line.
- Teeth Polishing: Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, your hygienist will polish your teeth using a special paste to remove surface stains and leave your teeth looking bright and clean.
- Fluoride Treatment: Your dentist or hygienist may also apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth to help strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities.
Benefits Of Dental Prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis, or professional teeth cleaning, offers several benefits for maintaining good oral health. Here are some of the benefits of dental prophylaxis:
- Removes Plaque and Tartar:
Even with regular brushing and flossing, it’s easy for plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth over time. Dental prophylaxis removes these harmful deposits, which can help prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. - Prevents Gum Disease:
Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to serious dental problems such as tooth loss and bad breath. By removing plaque and tartar, dental prophylaxis can help prevent gum disease from developing. - Brightens Your Smile:
Dental prophylaxis can remove surface stains from your teeth, leaving them looking cleaner and brighter. This can help improve your self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable showing off your smile. - Saves You Money:
Regular dental prophylaxis can help prevent dental problems from developing, which can save you money on more expensive dental treatments down the road. By investing in preventive care now, you can avoid more costly and invasive treatments later on. - Helps Detect Dental Problems Early:
During dental prophylaxis, your dentist or hygienist may detect dental problems such as cavities or gum disease that you may not have been aware of. Early detection can help prevent these problems from getting worse and require more extensive treatment. - Improves Overall Health:
There is a growing body of evidence linking poor oral health to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral health through regular dental prophylaxis, you can help reduce your risk of these and other health problems.
In conclusion, dental prophylaxis offers numerous benefits for maintaining good oral health. By investing in preventive care and having regular teeth cleanings, you can help prevent dental problems from developing, brighten your smile, save money, and improve your overall health. Be sure to schedule your next dental check-up and cleaning today!
