Teeth Cleaning
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a preventative treatment performed by a dental hygienist to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment in stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. It keeps the oral cavity in proper health and halts the progression of gum disease.
Your dental prophylaxis must be performed routinely every six months or more often depending on the progression on decay.
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The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:
- Plaque and tartar 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 proper brushing and flossing home care routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and tartar deposits in the pockets of the gums. 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 aesthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresh 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, tartar 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 those with progressed periodontitis. It should be noted that periodontal disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Poulson and his hygienists can use to effectively halt its progression.