Importance of Oral Prophylaxis

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Dental Cleaning

Most people think dental cleaning is just for aesthetic purposes — to make teeth look white and shiny. But the truth is, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your health. For most patients, we recommend getting an Oral Prophylaxis every six months. Here’s why it matters:

1. It keeps your breath fresh.

You already know this — but it’s not just about minty freshness. When plaque (that soft white film) and tartar (the hard, yellowish buildup) stay too long on your teeth, they hold bacteria that cause bad breath. A good cleaning removes all that buildup so your mouth feels lighter, fresher, and truly clean.

2. It protects your gums and bones.

Our toothbrushes can only clean what we can see. But below the gum line, plaque and tartar hide where no brush or floss can reach.

When these stay too long, your gums start to get irritated — that’s gingivitis. You might notice bleeding when you brush, or your gums feel itchy or sore. The good news is, this stage can still be reversed through professional cleaning.

But if you leave it for too long, it can reach the bone under your gums. That’s periodontitis, and it’s not reversible anymore. This can cause loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss — something we always want to avoid.

3. It helps prevent cavities.

Tartar and plaque make your teeth’s surface rough, which gives bacteria more places to stick and multiply. Over time, that’s how cavities start. Cleanings help smooth the surface again and make it harder for bacteria to grow.

4. It supports your overall health.

Recent research shows how closely our mouth is connected to the rest of our body. Gum infection has been linked to heart problems, diabetes, and even memory decline. It might sound surprising, but a healthy mouth really does help keep your whole body healthier.

5. It saves you from bigger problems later on.

Regular cleaning means your dentist gets to check your teeth and gums every visit. If anything is starting — a small cavity, a bit of gum swelling — we can fix it right away before it becomes painful or expensive.

I try to make explanations as simple and real as possible, so anyone can understand what’s happening in their mouth.

If you’d like to know more about your case, you can email me at dr.rafaelle@gmail.com or message us at +639778130101 (SMS/WhatsApp/Viber).

You can also book an appointment here: Book an Appointment