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The dental profession refers to the dental cleaning appointment as a “dental prophylaxis,” or “prophy.” Its most significant functions are prevention of dental disease and patient education. It is likely the most important and valuable visit a patient may ever make to the dentist.
The routine dental cleaning is anything but routine, and should include:
- Personal oral hygiene evaluation, home care review and recommendations.
- Tooth brushing and flossing instructions.
- Supra gingival (above the gum) scaling to remove plaque and tartar from all visible tooth surfaces.
- Debridement of tartar beneath the gum, as conditions warrant.
- Topical fluoride treatment to the age of 13.
- Polishing the teeth.
- Nutrition assessment, if needed.
- Periodontal charting and scheduling of additional periodontal care as indicated.
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