Professional Teeth Cleaning
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. 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 include:
- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in 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 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, however there may be other contributing causes such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, and sinus disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and gum infection can result in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our office can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Dental prophylaxis can be performed at our office or at your general dentist’s office. It may be beneficial to have your regular cleanings done by Dr. Harasty or her hygienist, as they are more familiar with the full scope of your periodontal disease. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure if all is healthy, but should be completed every 3-4 months for anyone with gingivitis or periodontitis. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely cured, but prophylaxis is one of the tools that can effectively halt its recurrence and progression.
