Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Keep Your Smile and Gums Healthy

A dental prophylaxis, or professional cleaning, is one of the most important steps in maintaining good oral health. This treatment thoroughly cleans your teeth and gums, helping to prevent gum disease and keep your smile fresh and healthy.

Even with excellent home care, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove this buildup and protect your teeth from future problems.

Benefits of a Professional Cleaning

🦷 Plaque & Tartar Removal

Daily brushing and flossing remove most bacteria, but some deposits can only be removed with professional instruments. Cleaning eliminates:

• Plaque (soft bacteria film) above and below the gumline
• Tartar/calculus (hardened buildup) that contributes to gum inflammation and bone loss

Regular removal prevents gingivitis from advancing into more serious periodontal disease.

✨ A Brighter, Healthier Smile

Polishing during your cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and daily wear — leaving your teeth smoother, brighter, and more reflective of light for a naturally whiter appearance.

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🌿 Fresher Breath

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) often stems from bacteria trapped under the gums or between teeth. By removing this buildup and cleaning infected areas, a prophylaxis can noticeably improve breath freshness and reduce infection risk.

What to Expect During Your Visit

At Alpharetta Smile Center, your cleaning appointment begins with a comprehensive gum evaluation.

• Our hygienist will measure the space (or “pockets”) between your teeth and gums to assess gum health.
• If these measurements show unhealthy or deeper pocketing, this may indicate the presence of gum infection or periodontal disease.

In these cases, a deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended instead of a routine cleaning.
Because this procedure takes more time and focuses below the gumline, it will need to be scheduled for a different day to ensure proper care and comfort.

Your hygienist and doctor will review your results and clearly explain next steps before scheduling any treatment.

How Often Should You Have a Cleaning?

• For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months.
• For those with periodontal concerns or bone loss, cleanings every 3–4 months may be needed to manage bacteria and maintain gum health.

While gum disease cannot be completely reversed, regular cleanings and follow-up visits are essential to stop its progression and protect your smile.

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What You’ll Leave With

After your cleaning, you’ll enjoy:

• A smoother, cleaner feel on your teeth
• Fresher breath
• A brighter smile
• Personalized hygiene tips to maintain your results at home