What is Dental Prophylaxis?
Good oral hygiene is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing your teeth at least once a day is a great start, but it is also important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.
What is dental prophylaxis?
A dental cleaning is called a prophylaxis, which essentially means preventative. Most patients with an overall healthy mouth should have a preventative cleaning a minimum of two times per year. It is called a prophylaxis because it is intended to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, not treat existing issues. Dental prophylaxis provides immediate benefits, but the long-term benefits of keeping up with your preventative cleanings are well worth your time and consistency.
Evaluation: At each cleaning, your dental hygienist will first perform an initial evaluation and cancer screening, palpating the outside of your throat, visually checking your tongue and the inside of your throat, as well as your cheeks and gums.
Scaling: Once the evaluation is complete, they will begin the cleaning. Most hygienists prefer to use an ultrasonic tool, called a Cavitron, first to do the majority of the heavy lifting where plaque removal is concerned. The Cavitron is kind of like a pressure washer for your teeth, using water and vibrations to clear plaque and tartar. It can be a little loud, and some people really do not like it, so if you prefer, you can request only manual scaling. If you do have the ultrasonic, once they are done with that, they will still use manual tools to fine-scale your teeth to make sure everything is clean.
Polishing: After all that is complete, they will floss around each tooth and use a gritty pumice to polish your teeth and remove any surface stains that the Cavitron missed. And finally, they will apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen enamel.
X-rays: Dental X-rays are another part of a cleaning, but they are not done every single appointment. Most of the time, doctors will recommend check-up X-rays once a year and a full set of X-rays every 3 to 5 years, depending on your individual needs. Check-up X-rays are called bitewing X-rays, and they are images of just the posterior teeth. X-rays do more than just allow your dentist to see what’s going on inside of your tooth, it also helps reveal tartar below the gum line, bone loss, sinus issues, and, of course, tooth decay that may not always be obvious with the naked eye. X-rays are an incredibly important tool.
Doctor Exam: Finally, at least once a year, your dentist will pop in for the exam portion. After the hygienist is finished, the dentist will check all of your teeth and your bite as well as any restorations. They will study your X-rays and discuss any findings with you, as well as possible treatment.
Prevention is easier and less costly than treatment. Good oral hygiene at home and regular dental prophylaxis are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy and avoid periodontal disease and tooth decay. If you do not have dental insurance, speak with your dental office to see if they offer a membership program or provide in-office financing. Many providers also work with third-party financing companies so that more patients are able to afford excellent dental care.
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