A dental prophylaxis is a technical term for dental teeth cleaning. Dictionary.com defines prophylaxis as an “action taken to prevent disease”, and in the case of a dental prophylaxis, it is to prevent gum disease, both gingivitis and periodontitis.
What does a dental prophylaxis treatment involve?
When you go in to see your dentist and dental hygienist for a prophylaxis, there usually is a lot more going on during the visit than just a dental cleaning including x-rays, oral cancer screenings, and periodontal and dental exams (link: What happens at a dental cleaning?).
During the process of having your teeth cleaned, your dental team will probably use a combination of ultrasonic scalers, hand scalers, floss, and a polisher.
- Ultrasonic scalers are power instruments that use tiny vibrations to break up plaque and tartar buildup, and water to flush debris and bacteria from between your teeth and under the gums. These instruments have a high pitched sound, and suction will be used to collect the water and reduce aerosols produced by the instrument.
- Hand scalers are the traditional dental instruments used to scrape the deposits from the tooth surfaces. While cleaning teeth with just hand instruments can be slower than using power tools, there is a larger variety of options for clinicians to choose from to help get to hard to reach places.
- To polish your teeth, an abrasive paste is used on a rotating instrument. Polishing removes residual surface stain and soft plaque on your teeth that was not removed with scalers.
- At the end of the cleaning, floss is used to remove any plaque or polishing paste that is left between your teeth.
What are the reasons for prophylaxis/teeth cleaning?
During a dental prophylaxis, plaque and tartar that harbor bacteria and contribute to gum disease are removed from the tooth surfaces, both above the gum line, and slightly (about 2-3mm) below the gum line. Plaque that has hardened onto your teeth to form tartar cannot be removed with your toothbrush and floss anymore, and needs to be removed by a dental professional.
In the initial stage, gum disease involves inflammation of the tissues, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is completely reversible, but if it progresses to more serious gum disease, periodontitis, where the bone that supports the teeth is harmed, the damage is irreversible (although not uncontrollable). But if periodontitis is left untreated, eventually your teeth can become loose and fall out or require extraction. (link: How does the dentist determine if I have gum disease?)
Additionally, people with untreated gum disease are at higher risk of other systemic issues including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and worse COVID outcomes.
Is prophylaxis the same as teeth cleaning?
Yes, a prophylaxis is a “standard” preventative cleaning. There are also other types of teeth cleaning called scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance. If you have periodontitis, a dental prophylaxis is not adequate to treat your gum disease. You will need to have scaling and root planing and/or periodontal surgery to remove the buildup in the deeper pockets to arrest the gum disease, and then periodontal maintenance visits up to 4 times per year to control your periodontitis.
How often do I need dental prophylaxis?
Most people should see their dentist twice a year for routine prophylaxis. If you take exceptionally great care of your teeth at home with brushing and flossing, you may only need to see your dentist once a year. Conversely, if you are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup and your dentist or hygienist is concerned you are at higher risk of developing periodontitis, it may be advisable to have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months. Ask your dental team what they think is the best for you.
Does prophylaxis hurt?
Generally speaking, having your teeth cleaned should not hurt. If you experience anything more than minor discomfort during your cleaning, you should ask your dentist or hygienist to numb your teeth or gums. Often all it takes is a little numbing gel to alleviate the pain. In areas where there is buildup that has caused gingivitis, your gums may be tender, but those are the spots where it is most critical to remove the irritants to prevent the progression of gum disease.
Oral health is an important component of overall health. Going to see your dentist regularly for preventive appointments including prophylaxis will help keep your smile and body healthy for years to come.
