At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we prioritize your overall oral health and hygiene. Prophylaxis, or professional teeth cleaning, is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing a thorough, comfortable cleaning experience that not only improves your smile but also helps prevent a variety of dental issues.
In this guide, we will explain the importance of prophylaxis, the cleaning process, and how regular teeth cleanings contribute to your long-term oral health.
Prophylaxis refers to the professional cleaning of your teeth, typically performed by a hygienist. It is a preventive dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth to prevent the onset of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Even with diligent at-home brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are difficult to reach, making professional cleanings a vital part of maintaining oral health.
Cavities, or dental caries, are one of the most common oral health issues, often caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. While daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, a professional cleaning plays an essential role in preventing cavities by addressing areas where plaque and tartar may be difficult to remove on your own.
By maintaining regular cleaning appointments, you significantly reduce your chances of developing cavities and other related dental problems.
At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we understand the importance of teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Prophylaxis is not only for adults but also an important aspect of children's oral health. Regular professional cleanings for children help establish healthy habits and prevent future dental problems.
Creating good dental habits early on sets children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, reducing the likelihood of extensive dental work later in life.
A bright, clean smile is often associated with confidence and well-being. Regular teeth cleanings not only improve your oral health but can also have a significant impact on how you feel about your appearance. After a professional cleaning, many patients notice a visible difference in the brightness of their teeth, leading to increased self-esteem and comfort when interacting with others.
When you feel confident about the health and appearance of your smile, it has a positive effect on your overall self-image, making you feel more empowered in both personal and professional situations.
Regular prophylaxis treatments are a cornerstone of good oral health. They are an essential part of preventive care, helping to protect your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of plaque and tartar buildup. Here's why it’s so important:
At SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we strive to make your teeth cleaning experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for a professional cleaning:
Before your cleaning, our hygienist will examine your mouth and gums to assess your overall oral health. This includes checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions. If any issues are found, we may recommend additional treatments or follow-up care.
Using specialized dental tools, our hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gumline. This process helps eliminate harmful bacteria that contribute to oral health problems.
After the removal of plaque and tartar, the next step is polishing. Using a rotating rubber cup and a mild abrasive paste, your hygienist will polish your teeth, leaving them smooth and shiny. This step helps to remove any remaining stains and prevents plaque from accumulating on your freshly cleaned teeth.
The final step of your cleaning involves thorough flossing to remove any debris between your teeth. We’ll also check your teeth one last time to ensure that all areas have been cleaned properly and that your gums are in good condition.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends having a professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months. However, depending on your oral health and lifestyle habits, you may need cleanings more frequently. For example:
Your hygienist at SKY Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will work with you to create a personalized cleaning schedule that suits your needs.
Maintaining a clean mouth isn’t just about having a bright smile – it’s also linked to your overall health. Research has shown that poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease can contribute to systemic health issues such as:
Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart problems.
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. Regular cleanings help reduce the risk of gum disease, which can in turn help you better manage diabetes.
Inhaling bacteria from the mouth can lead to respiratory problems such as pneumonia, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Keeping your teeth and gums clean can help reduce this risk.
Pregnant women with gum disease may have an increased risk of complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. Regular dental cleanings during pregnancy help maintain healthy gums and reduce this risk.
After your teeth cleaning, it’s important to follow a good oral hygiene routine to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips to keep your mouth fresh and clean between visits:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
A mouthwash with antibacterial properties can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your breath fresh.
Smoking and using tobacco can lead to stained teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Avoiding tobacco products can greatly improve your oral health.
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages, which can contribute to plaque buildup and cavities.
Typically, a professional cleaning lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs and the condition of your teeth and gums.
Teeth cleaning is usually painless. However, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, you may experience some discomfort, but we can take steps to make you more comfortable during the procedure.
While professional cleaning removes surface stains, it does not bleach your teeth. If you're looking for a whiter smile, we offer teeth whitening treatments as well.
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly are essential to preventing plaque buildup. Regular professional cleanings also help keep your teeth free of plaque and tartar.
Yes, even with good home care, professional cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone.
Yes, professional cleanings are crucial for managing gum disease. If you have gum disease, you may require a more thorough cleaning, such as scaling and root planing.
Skipping regular cleanings can lead to plaque buildup, tartar formation, and an increased risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
If you wear braces, it’s important to have a cleaning every 3 to 4 months to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets and wires.
Professional cleaning can remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco. For more stubborn stains, you may need additional whitening treatments.
X-rays are not required for every cleaning, but they may be taken periodically to check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues beneath the surface.
