The benefits of a healthy mouth cleaning include tartar and plaque buildup removal, fresher breath, and improved esthetics such as a whiter smile. A healthy mouth cleaning is known as dental prophylaxis. This treatment is preventive and not indicated for those with active gum disease (moderate to severe gingivitis or periodontitis). Prevention is the key to keeping gum disease or tooth decay from developing. Prophylaxis is recommended a minimum of twice yearly or every six months. Latest research shows that proper prophylaxis is recommended every three months.
During your healthy mouth dental cleaning at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, Florida, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will thoroughly examine your mouth, where they will be able to screen for systemic conditions and detect tooth decay early on. Click here to learn more.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of your gum tissue. Common signs of gingivitis are redness, swelling, or bleeding on your gum tissue. Gingivitis is preventable and curable, whereas advanced periodontal disease is not curable. You can prevent gingivitis by:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Daily flossing
- Regular dental checkups (healthy mouth cleaning)
Gingivitis:
What you can expect during a healthy mouth cleaning
You can expect a thorough dental examination, periodontal probing (measuring gum tissue health), thorough cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, and dental x-rays to check for tooth decay and infections.
Prophy vs Scaling and Root Planing:
The difference between a prophy and scaling and root planing is healthy gum tissue versus diseased gum tissue and bone loss. Prophylaxis cleans tartar and plaque from above the gum line, whereas scaling and root planing remove the harmful bacteria below the gum line.
What else can you do to improve your oral health?
Schedule your cleaning today!
Give our team at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry a call today at (727) 608-4690 to schedule your healthy mouth cleaning and dental examination.
