The dental profession refers to the dental cleaning appointment as a dental prophylaxis, or prophy. It's most significant functions are prevention of dental disease and patient education. It is likely the most important and valuable visit a patient may ever make to the dentist.

The routine dental cleaning is anything but routine, and should include:

• Personal oral hygiene evaluation, home care review and recommendations.
• Toothbrushing and flossing instructions.
• Supra gingival (above the gum) scaling to remove plaque and tartar from all visible tooth surfaces.
• Debridement of tartar beneath the gum, as conditions warrant.
• Topical fluoride treatment to the age of thirteen.
• Polishing the teeth.
• Nutrition assessment, if needed
• Periodontal charting, and scheduling of additional periodontal care as indicated.

The dental prophylaxis is the cornerstone for a lifetime of dental health.