Also known as “adult prophy,” is the dental industry term for the common cleaning of a patient’s teeth as a tooth health maintenance measure, and is typically performed every three, four, or six months. The procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar build up on and around the teeth to prevent any tooth decay from setting in. Plaque and tartar are also removed from above and below the gum line to prevent periodontal disease.

A more deeply involved procedure known as Scaling and Root Planing includes numbing a patient for their comfort to scale out deeper subgingival periodontal pocketing. Prophylaxis appointments are recommended as a health maintenance preventive measure. Though gum disease cannot be completely reversed, regular prophylaxis is one of the tools the dentist and hygienist can use to effectively halt its destructive process.