Dental prophylaxis prevents dental and periodontal disease, thus avoiding complications.

So dental prophylaxis has 2 roles:

• prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease;
• prevention of dental caries, periodontal disease and complications.

The main dental diseases, caries and periodontal disease, are poor in symptoms, at their incipient stages. The patient can not see himself, in due time, if the dental disease occurs or the severity of his condition. That is why in the dental prophylaxis periodical checks are done in the dental office.

Mainly, for the prevention of dental diseases, ultrasonic scrubbing, professional scrubbing, periodic fluoridation, bacterial plaque detection with plate revealers, sealing ditches and fossils, treatment of incipient caries are performed in the cabinet.

The main methods of prophylaxis

Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is the most important method of prophylaxis. The dental plaque accumulates on the teeth surface after each meal. If it is not removed by active brushing, it will calcify by turning into dental plaque. The main objective of oral hygiene is to remove the dental plaque from the surface of the teeth and prevent it from being deposited. Proper oral hygiene involves a regular and correct dental brushing (minimum 2 times a day), the use of dental floss and mouthwash.

Regular periodic checks

Regular controls are very important for maintaining oral health. Many oral conditions evolve without pain especially during the initial stages; therefore, patients are not aware of their occurrence until they have already progressed significantly. As a general rule, the more a disease is discovered earlier, the easier it is to treat. Periodic checks should be performed at least twice a year and more often if clinically required.

Sharpening

Sharpening is the process of removing tartar and dental plaque using manual instruments or specific sonic or ultrasonic dentistry. Dental plaque is the main cause of gingivitis and dental caries, and tartar is a form of dental plaque that is also so harmful to gums and dental structures. The purpose of scratching is to remove the tartar and dental plaque. It is important to remove both supragingival and subgingival plaque. Ultrasonic scrubbers provide a very effective cleaning of dental plaque and dental plaque.

Professional brushing

Professional brushing is intended to remove the dental plaque, which remains after scaling, as well as various stains or dye marks on the surface of the teeth.

Sealing ditches and beaks

This method prevents the stagnation of the microbes and the dental plaque in the grooves and fossils of the molars and premolars, thus preventing cavities at this level. Ditches and beaks are a preferred place where the plate can form and accumulate because it is difficult to sanitize. Sealing involves the application of fluid composite materials inside ditches and beams, which after curing will "close" these spaces. Sealing is performed on children's molars and premolars as soon as they have erupted.

Detecting and treating incipient caries

It is an effective method of prophylaxis because it prevents the development of caries and the occurrence of complications. Small carriages are easier and cheaper to treat. Once complications due to caries develop, treatment is both more complicated and more expensive.

Changes in diet

Foods rich in carbohydrates (or sugars) are a very good source of consumption for bacteria in the dental plaque. The frequency of sugar consumption is much more important than the total amount consumed. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of sweets between meals as they create a continuous nutritional reserve for bacteria in the oral cavity.

Fluoride and fluoridation

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to caries. Fluorination methods are extremely varied with a large number of bottles that discuss the benefits or risks of fluorine use. For these reasons, please contact your dentist to understand and apply these innovative techniques for your benefit.