A professional teeth cleaning, or dental prophylaxis, is a routine preventative procedure where a dental hygienist or dentist cleans the teeth, gums, and mouth interior. This process removes plaque, a sticky bacterial film, and tartar, which is plaque that has hardened and cannot be removed by simple brushing and flossing at home. Preparing properly for this appointment increases efficiency, improves patient comfort, and ensures the dental team can focus on areas needing the most attention.
Gathering Necessary Records and Medical Updates
Before your appointment, confirm the scheduled time and location, especially if you are visiting a new dental office. For administrative ease, have your current dental insurance card and policy details readily available. Providing this information ensures accurate billing and helps you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
It is important to review and update your medical history forms. This record guides the dental team in making safe treatment decisions, as certain health conditions or medications can affect dental care. You should note any recent surgeries, new prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, known allergies, and contact details for your other physicians. Keeping this information current is a requirement for patient safety.
Immediate Oral Hygiene Steps
Right before leaving for your appointment, a thorough session of brushing and flossing is recommended. This step removes loose plaque and food debris, allowing the hygienist to concentrate on removing stubborn, calcified tartar. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, focusing on a gentle, circular motion to clean all surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline.
Flossing removes particles from between teeth, reaching areas a toothbrush cannot. While aggressive brushing or flossing should be avoided to prevent gum irritation, a gentle effort is beneficial. Using mouthwash can rinse away remaining debris and freshen your breath, making the close-contact work more comfortable. It is acceptable to eat before a cleaning, but avoid heavily pigmented or strong-odored foods, such as garlic or onions.
Addressing Specific Health Concerns
A few specific health circumstances require proactive communication with your dental office, particularly concerning prophylactic antibiotics. Patients with a history of infective endocarditis or prosthetic heart valves are at risk for infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream during the cleaning process. The dental office needs to know about these conditions to determine if a single dose of antibiotics, usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure, is necessary.
Most patients with prosthetic joints or common heart conditions no longer require antibiotic pre-medication, but you should always consult with your dentist about your specific case. If you experience dental anxiety, communicate this to the staff when scheduling the appointment or upon arrival. They can often make accommodations, such as scheduling you at a quieter time or discussing options for sedation. Furthermore, be prepared to clearly describe any new symptoms, such as recent sensitivity, loose fillings, or gum changes, as this information helps guide the dental team’s examination and cleaning focus.