leaning your teeth is just a small part of what gets done at your regular 6-month visit to the dentist and hygienist. The goal is to provide you with the best in preventive care.

In a medical study, first reported on television in 1999, a link between gum disease, dental health and heart disease was established. All of evidence presented since then has only confirmed that discovery.

Dentists and doctors have always known that serious medical problems can result from dental decay and gum disease. Low grade infections in the mouth can spread toxins to the rest of your body. This weakens your immune system, causes things like fatigue, aches, pains, flu-like symptoms and can lead to more advanced infections in other parts of the body.

The surprise was how direct the link between low grade dental infections and heart disease proved to be.

While this ads more importance to the need for good dental health, it doesn't change how we conduct your semi-annual dental exam and teeth cleaning.

"Prophylaxis means to protect from disease"

In dentistry, the term prophylaxis (or prophy for short) is preferred because it means to protect from disease. That is the purpose for everything the hygienist does in a standard visit. The hygienist works to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that occurs as a natural part of life in order to examine your teeth and gums more closely.

Preventive care is preferable to repair. Spotting and taking care of a potential dental problem is much better than waiting until it becomes serious to your health.

The plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth even though you brush and floss diligently offers an entry point to your body for infections and disease. By removing the plaque and tartar the risk is reduced.

The next stage is the exam. The hygienist likes for any visible signs of cancer, infections of any kind and the early stages of tooth decay. The dentist follows with a check of things spotted by the hygienist and determines any need for treatment.

We cannot stress enough, how important regular prophylaxis treatments and exams are to your health. Not many enjoy these regular treatments, but they are vital as your first line of defense against dental decay and disease.

If you have any questions about prophylaxis or how you can ensure your continued dental health, please feel free to call our office and we will answer all of your questions.

Call: 1 (860) 668-0241

A healthy smile can actually protect you from disease and a host of other serious problems.



Dental infections have been linked to heart disease.

Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) is your first line of defense against dental decay and disease.