At Dental Illusions, we recommend that both pediatric and adult patients come in every six months for a dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis. Even when you brush and floss two to three times a day, you still need regular professional cleaning to achieve excellent oral health. After one of our dental hygienists finishes cleaning and polishing your teeth, Dr. Saliba will check them for signs of decay and other common dental health issues. We will ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment if we discover any new concerns.
The Benefits of Regular Prophylaxis
The purpose of dental prophylaxis is to clean your teeth and gums in a more thorough manner than you could achieve at home. It is a first-line defense against periodontal disease and gingivitis, two conditions that can cause more serious issues over time. Prophylaxis is also an effective method for stopping gum disease progression. When allowed to progress, gum disease can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Although gum disease is not reversible once it has started, Dr. Saliba has good success slowing its progression with dental prophylaxis. Other benefits of this procedure include:
- Removal of plaque and tartar: Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that builds up on your teeth and can turn into hard deposits of tartar. This occurs above and below your gum line and often results in significant periodontal issues. Prophylaxis is necessary because it is nearly impossible to remove all bacteria, food debris, and gum pocket deposits with brushing and flossing alone. Our dentists and hygienists use specialized equipment to spot and remove a dangerous build-up of plaque and tartar.
- A more attractive smile: You can feel hesitant to smile when you have stained or yellow teeth. This treatment eliminates staining to improve your confidence.
- Fresh breath: If you have bad breath despite consistent brushing and flossing, it could indicate a progression of periodontal disease. This can occur when food particles rot below the gum line and cause gangrene and infection. These conditions naturally lead to bad breath. The good news is that routine prophylaxis treatments can improve your breath significantly and reduce the likelihood of developing an infection.
Patients who already have periodontal disease should visit Dental Illusions every three to four months for prophylaxis rather than wait six months between appointments. We will let you know if you would benefit from more frequent dental cleanings the next time you receive prophylaxis and an oral exam.
