What is prophylaxis

Prophylaxis encompasses a specific set of measures designed to prevent the onset and spread of disease. Maintaining health is essential – it is much easier to prevent a disease, than to treat it. Therefore, the most important step in taking care of our teeth is oral prophylaxis, which starts with the eruption of the first teeth and must be sustained throughout life.

Dental prophylaxis is the simplest and least expensive method of treatment, as it prevents the occurrence of dental caries, periodontal disease and their evolution, as well as complications in the case of pre-existing conditions.

Most of the time, a patient will not be able to notice dental problems in their early stage. The enemies are often well camouflaged or silent, which is why a visit to the dentist does not have to come as the result of the already existing pain. During the prophylactic examination, the doctor will inspect the entire oral cavity carefully and in detail and will spot the problems in time, pairing them with the appropriate and minimally invasive methods of treatment.

What are the main dental prophylaxis procedures?

Dental prophylaxis includes several different and painless treatment methods, which may or may not require local anesthesia, depending on the patient’s dental sensitivity. Their complexity and number depend on the condition of the patient’s oral cavity and development stage of the existing conditions.

The main procedures are as follows:

Proper oral hygiene.

A consistent and proper brushing technique (performed twice a day), the use of mouthwash and dental floss will prevent the development of dental plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth after each meal and which, if neglected, will turn into tartar over time.

Regular dental exams.

Dental exams give the dentist the opportunity to detect diseases in their early stages, to assess the existing dental work or restorations and oral tissues. They should be performed at least twice a year (or more often, depending on the situation of each patient).

Professional hygienization and scaling.

By scaling, dental plaque and tartar are removed, which are the main factors that lead to the occurrence of dental caries and gum disease, damaging dental structures. After scaling, the remaining dental plaque is removed by professional brushing. Professional brushing also neutralizes certain stains or discolorations on the surface of the teeth. At least two professional brushing sessions are recommended per year.

Sealing of the splints and grooves.

This method prevents the accumulation of microbes and dental plaque in the splints and grooves of the molars and premolars and the appearance of cavities in these areas.

Early detection and treatment of caries.

It is much easier and more convenient to treat the caries that haven’t had the chance to develop. The evolution of cavities generates certain complications, which could result in a more expensive treatment.

Fluoride and fluoridation.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel and prevents tooth decay. There are a variety of fluoridation methods.

Correction of vicious habits.

Certain deleterious habits (finger sucking, oral breathing etc.) or involuntary acts (gnashing of teeth) that affect the dento-maxillary apparatus can be corrected.

Avoidance of smoking and alcohol.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption cause tooth decay, the development of plaque and tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral cancer.

A healthy diet.

Oral health is strongly influenced by the foods and drinks we consume. We are actively informing and educating each and every patient on nutrition and we encourage healthy and balanced eating habits.

What risks arise when dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene are missing or are being neglected?

Oral health is tightly connected to general health. More and more studies that indicate that the bacteria present in dental plaque can also be found in the atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels. The results also show that dental diseases lead to the onset of cardiovascular diseases that are common among the population today: hypertension, heart attack or stroke.

Poor oral health and toothlessness negatively impact the digestive system. Lack of adequate chewing will affect the stomach and the functions of the large and small intestine and will result in an insufficient absorption of nutrients, which can also cause metabolic diseases.

Why is dental prophylaxis important?

Proper oral hygiene is imperative in maintaining dental health. It is supported by dental prophylaxis – one cannot exist without the other.

The most beautiful accessory you can wear is a bright white smile that radiates health!

We invite you to schedule dental check-up.

A dental examination is the first step before considering any treatment.

We would be happy to take care of your oral health.