While it’s important to brush and floss your teeth, there are some forms of plaque and tartar that you simply can’t reach without professional dental tools. Regular prophylaxis (professional dental cleaning) is essential if you want to keep your mouth healthy.
It prevents the progression of both gingivitis and periodontitis.
Periodontal issues can be traced back to tartar (also known as calculus) and plaque buildup. These buildups form both above and below the gumline, irritating gums and eventually causing gum recession.
Prophylaxis allows us to address these buildups, including in gum pockets and other areas where brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Along with damaging your oral health, plaque and tartar can also cause your smile to look duller.
Cleaning helps to get rid of some staining. That said, if you really want to brighten your smile, we recommend combining prophylaxis with teeth whitening.
The two most common causes of bad breath (halitosis) are:
During prophylaxis, we’ll remove the rotting food and help prevent infection.
We offer this procedure at our office. We recommend getting professional cleanings at least twice a year to prevent gum disease, but patients suffering with periodontitis will need to get it three or four times a year.
Please note: prophylaxis can help prevent the spread of gum disease, but it cannot be cured. If you would like to book an appointment for prophylaxis, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.