Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Maintain a healthy smile with thorough teeth cleanings and essential oral cancer screenings at every dental checkup.

About Prophylaxis or Teeth Cleaning

Dental prophylaxis (also known as a prophy) is a professional cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from your teeth. It is a preventive dental treatment that helps maintain oral health and prevent conditions like gum disease and tooth decay.

Key Steps Involved in Dental Prophylaxis

Here’s what takes place during a teeth cleaning:

1. Examination

The hygienist will begin by examining your mouth for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. This will involve X-rays to assess the health of the teeth and bone.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal

Scaling: Using specialized tools like an ultrasonic scaler or hand scalers, the dental professional removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar (calculus) if not removed regularly. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.

3. Polishing

After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove any remaining plaque and stains. A polishing paste is used along with a rotating brush or rubber cup or a baking soda sprayer called a ProphyJet, to give your teeth a smooth, shiny finish.

4. Fluoride Treatment (Optional)

In some cases, a fluoride treatment is applied to the teeth after cleaning. This helps to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.

5. Oral Hygiene Instruction

Your dental hygienist will also offer tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain good oral health at home.

Benefits of Dental Prophylaxis

Staying on top of your teeth cleaning:

Prevents Gum Disease

Regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar that can cause gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (a more serious stage of gum disease).

Prevents Cavities

By removing plaque buildup, prophylaxis helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Freshens Breath

Removes bacteria that contribute to bad breath (halitosis).

Improves Apperaance

Polishing removes stains, making teeth look cleaner and brighter.

Maintains Overall Health

Oral health is connected to overall health. Preventing gum disease can help reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Who Needs Dental Prophylaxis?

Healthy Adults: Most adults should have a prophylaxis every 6 months to maintain oral health.
People with Gum Disease or Other Health Issues: Individuals with periodontal disease or certain risk factors (like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease) may need more frequent cleanings.
Children: Pediatric patients benefit from regular cleanings as well, starting from an early age to establish good oral hygiene habits.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a process done at each dental checkup. Dr. Weininger and your dental hygienist will check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, lips, and surrounding areas. Early detection of oral cancer can increase the chances of successful treatment. Regular oral cancer screening is especially important for those at higher risk, but it is a good practice for everyone, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Oral Cancer Screening Process

Here’s a general overview of the screening process:

1. Visual Examination

Dr. Weininger and your treating clinician will visually inspect the inside of your mouth, including your gums, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. They will look for:

Sores, lesions, or ulcers that don’t heal.
Red or white patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia).
Unusual growths or lumps.
Changes in the texture or color of the tissues in the mouth.

2. Physical Examination

They will feel around the neck, jaw, and throat to check for any lumps or abnormalities in the lymph nodes and surrounding areas. This can help detect potential spread of cancer.

3. Oral Cancer Risk Factors Assessment

The dentist or clinician may ask questions related to your personal habits and medical history, such as:

Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless tobacco).
Alcohol consumption.
Any family history of oral cancer.
If you experience pain or difficulty swallowing.
Exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer.

4. Biopsy (if necessary)

If a suspicious area is found, Dr. Weininger may recommend a biopsy at an Oral Surgeon’s office, where a small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and sent to a lab for analysis. This helps confirm whether the tissue is cancerous or precancerous.