Tooth Cleaning and Preventive Treatment

What is Dental Prophylaxis?

Dental prophylaxis is not just about cleaning your teeth; it encompasses a range of preventive measures. It involves a detailed examination of the mouth and teeth, using tools like an ultrasonic scaler, pick, and others to remove tartar, plaque, and calcifications. The teeth are polished, and fluoride treatment or dental sealants might be applied. X-rays might also be taken if needed. This process is essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral health.

Dental Prophylaxis Services

There are several services considered prophylactic in dentistry. These include dental X-rays to check for tooth decay, cleanings to remove plaque and calculus, scaling to remove tartar and deposits, flossing to remove food and plaque between teeth, polishing to remove stains and build-up, and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay, especially for kids.

Pitfalls From Skipping Your Yearly Dental Cleanings

Missing your annual dental cleanings can have negative consequences. Studies have shown that regular preventative visits are linked to fewer appointments for fillings and restorative care in the future for children. However, it's not always cost-effective for kids to visit the dentist twice a year. Also, for adults, not everyone needs yearly X-rays if they have no apparent dental problems.

Dental Prophylaxis for Kids

Children have specific dental care needs and are vulnerable to decay and other problems. Pediatric dentists help kids overcome fear and anxiety related to dental visits. The goal of early intervention is to get children accustomed to seeing the dentist and administer preventative procedures like sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay.

Effectiveness of Prophylaxis Services

Recommendations for dental prophylactic measures vary, and their effectiveness is a subject of research. Do they truly prevent tooth decay and gum disease? Studies have shown mixed results. For instance, a review of kids from the Children's Health Insurance Program found a link between preventative visits and fewer future dental issues, but it might not be cost-effective for children to visit twice a year. Also, the need for yearly dental cleanings is not always definite, and there are potential harms like periprosthetic joint infection from gum agitation during scaling.

Sealants and Fluoride Treatments

Sealants are a thin coating applied to a child's molars to protect against cavities. While there's no data on the benefits of sealants for adults, similar effects might be expected. Fluoride varnish has been shown to prevent tooth decay, and it's recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Dental sealants can be applied by a dental hygienist without a dentist's examination, making it more cost-effective.

Is Flossing Important?

Dental flossing is usually done after scaling and before polishing. A Cochrane review found that flossing combined with brushing lowers the incidence of gingivitis, but its effect on reducing plaque and tooth decay is unclear.

How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost?

The average cost of a dental cleaning is between $88 and $135, but it can vary depending on location and the extent of plaque and tartar build-up. Additional fees may apply if the visit includes a consultation, X-rays, a full-mouth exam, or other procedures. Dental insurance can lower costs, but it's best to check with your provider to understand out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Prevent Dental Problems

Dentists teach patients how to prevent dental problems at home, with regular brushing being the most impactful action. Using fluoride toothpaste is important, and although there's limited research on the optimal brushing frequency, brushing twice a day is generally supported.

A Word From Verywell

It's important to note that dental prophylaxis research sometimes contradicts current standards of care. While some practices like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using fluoride varnish or sealants for kids are supported, the necessity of other recommended procedures for optimal oral health requires further study.