When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, we recommend getting them removed with a procedure called Prophylaxis.  This is because even though you may brush and floss your teeth religiously three times a day, it is still not enough to get all the plaque and tartar off of your teeth. 

Ignoring the problems of plaque and tartar will increase your risk of gum disease.  Scientific research has proven that advanced gum disease can allow mouth bacteria to enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body.  There has even been evidence to link Periodontitis to heart disease and stroke.

This is why many people will say that healthy teeth are the key to a healthy body.  It’s not so much your teeth we need to protect, but the gums that teeth reside within. 

As important as dental homecare is, you need to see your dentist regularly for cleaning.  Some plaque is going to remain no matter what you do.  It will harden and turn to tartar, which will increase your likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.  You can only get rid of tartar with a professional dental cleaning. 

Prophylaxis is the dental term for professional dental cleaning.  As a preventative measure to stave off gum disease and tooth caries, we integrate it into your regular dental checkup.

This procedure is more than what you would conceptualize as a routine tooth cleaning.  It begins with a dental hygienist taking X-rays of your mouth.  Deposits of tartar are located and then removed from your teeth using an ultrasonic planar.  This process is known as scaling and root planing. 

We also use other instruments besides the ultrasonic scalar in Prophylaxis.  Some of these include hand scalars, dental floss, and special floss called superfloss.   Also, some instruments are made just for certain parts of the mouth.  Others are even made for specific parts of the teeth.  Depending on the severity of your condition, different instruments are selected for the task of cleaning your teeth. 

After all the plaque and tartar have been removed, we polish your teeth to give your smile a new cosmetic look.

This routine procedure is one of the most important investments you can make in your oral health.  True, it does cost money, and you must make time to come in and see us two times a year.  While this may sound like too much of a hassle to you, consider the possibility that you could end up spending even more money and much more time in our office, dealing with a serious condition that can and often does result from neglecting dental cleanings and checkups. 

Taking the time and spending the money on something as basic as Prophylaxis today can save you great discomfort and expense in the future.  Remember, you only need to do it two times a year to give yourself the best chance at optimal dental health.