Dental prophylaxis involves a dentist cleaning the teeth and inspecting the mouth for signs of any dental problems. Prophylaxis means preventive medical treatment.
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Some preventive dental treatments include cleaning plaque from the teeth and checking for signs of oral disease. People who
This article will explain dental prophylaxis, why it may be necessary, and what to expect. It will also explain preventive measures for oral health issues.
Dental prophylaxis includes taking care of the teeth with regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are vital to preventing dental disease and oral health problems.
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During the appointment, the dentist may:
- check and clean the teeth
- remove any plaque
- polish the teeth
- have scans or x-rays of the mouth to check for cavities or other problems
- advises the individual on any necessary dental work;
Dental prophylaxis can help people avoid oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It can last the entire appointment about 1 hour.
Visit our dental center to learn more about oral health.
Dental prophylaxis can help maintain good oral health, resulting in fewer problems over time. Regular checkups with a dentist can help with the following dental problems.
Dental erosion
Teeth have a protective coating known as enamel. Over time, various chemicals and substances from food and drink can wear it down.
This is known as enamel erosion, which it can lead to to:
Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent tooth decay. Dentists can also spot cavities or tooth decay early, making treatment easier and cheaper.
Read more about tooth sensitivity.
Gum disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause infection in the tissue around the teeth. This buildup of bacteria can form a hard substance that dentists call tartar. This makes teeth even harder to clean, making gum disease worse.
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- bad breath
- tender gums
- bloody gums
- swollen gums
- loose teeth
- sensitive teeth
- receding gums
A dentist usually removes the plaque during a preventive appointment. This makes teeth easier to keep clean every day and helps prevent gum disease.
Read more about periodontitis.
Other health conditions
The American Dental Association (ADA) says regular visits are also important because some health conditions have symptoms that can show up in the mouth. They include:
- oral cancer, which includes oral symptoms such as lumps and growths
- diabetes, which can include dry mouth and bleeding gums
- HIV, which can cause complications such as mouth sores
Dental prophylaxis usually refers to the cleaning of the teeth and the assessments performed by dentists during a routine check-up.
Dental antibiotic prophylaxis
Dentists may also sometimes talk about dental prophylaxis with antibiotics. This happens when people take antibiotics before dental procedures to avoid infection. Dentists
- people who are at risk of a heart condition that doctors call infective endocarditis (IE), such as people with congenital heart disease or people who have had IE in the past
- people who are at risk of developing an infection in a prosthetic joint, such as those who have had total knee or hip replacement surgery
However, doctors will they rarely prescribe antibiotics prior to dental prophylaxis if individuals have undergone joint replacement.
Read more about infective endocarditis.
During a preventive dental appointment, the dentist may:
- examine the person’s mouth and teeth for signs of dental erosion
- use x-rays to discover potential oral health problems, such as cavities, that are not visible to the naked eye
- use special tools to check for signs of gum disease
- remove plaque buildup
- check the tongue, jaw and throat for signs of oral cancer
Dentists may also use a preventive paste to clean and polish the teeth. They tend to apply the paste to the teeth using a small electric brush to remove bacteria, plaque and stains and leave the teeth clean.
The procedure is usually a routine part of a checkup. However, dentists are now aware of this aggressive tooth polishing
Before starting the checkup, a dentist may ask about a person’s health, recent medical history, and daily oral hygiene routine.
When it comes to getting ready for the appointment, people can make sure they brush and floss their teeth.
People will usually be able to resume their daily activities after a preventive dental appointment.
Sometimes, people will need to talk to a dentist outside of their regular checkups. People can consider making an appointment if:
- their teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
- Their gums bleed when brushing or flossing
- their gums look swollen
- have persistent bad breath;
- they have a persistent bad taste in their mouths
- she is pregnant
- have pain or swelling in the mouth, face or throat;
- have a spot or sore in the mouth that won’t go away;
The
- brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- floss between teeth once a day to remove plaque
- avoiding the use of tobacco products
- restriction of alcoholic beverages
- visit the dentist at least once a year
- if a person has conditions such as diabetes, to keep it under control to avoid further oral health problems
Read about the best practices for healthy gums and teeth.
Dental prophylaxis means taking care of the teeth to prevent dental diseases and health problems. It includes twice a year trips to the dentist for teeth cleanings and exams. It can help people prevent oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
During the appointment, the dentist will usually examine the mouth and remove any plaque. They can also polish the teeth.
