Teeth Cleaning at Southern Maine Family Dental

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. It is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.

At Southern Maine Family Dental, we recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice a year as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for those who suffer from periodontal disease. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools we can use to effectively halt its progression.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

• Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup of plaque.
• A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative or advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria by a licensed dental hygienist can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.