Prophylaxis is a term that is used to describe a cleaning that a dentist or a hygienist performs to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from the surfaces of your teeth. This is done using special instruments and only a professional can perform this type of cleaning. It is minimally invasive and does not require any anesthetic.

It should be performed ever 3, 4, or 6 months depending on the health of your gum tissue and what your dental professional recommends.

During this visit, your hygienist or dentist will also measure the health of your gum tissue using a periodontal probe. They will read aloud numbers to check the pockets around each tooth. Also, they will take any necessary x-rays to measure the bone and gum levels along each tooth.