WEBVTT

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A prophylactic

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dental cleaning is a routine

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dental procedure that helps prevent

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common oral

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health problems like tooth

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decay and gum disease.

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They are often part

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of your regular dental checkup.

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Prophylaxis means

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any action

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taken to prevent a given disease

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or medical condition.

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Health care

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providers know it is always better

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to prevent an issue

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from ever occurring,

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rather than needing to treat it

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once it has appeared.

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Your prophylactic dental cleaning helps

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keep your mouth healthy

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by preventing issues like tooth decay

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and gum disease from developing.

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Your cleaning will typically be performed

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by a dental hygienist.

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A dental hygienist is a trained

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dental professional

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who focuses on achieving

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and maintaining a patient's

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ideal oral hygiene.

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Dental cleanings are comfortable,

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noninvasive procedures,

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but if you have dental anxiety

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or highly sensitive teeth,

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you can ask your dentist

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about sedation options

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like nitrous oxide.

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First, your dental hygienist

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will remove

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any tartar

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that has built up on your teeth

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with a small metal tool.

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Tartar, also referred to as a calculus,

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is hardened plaque

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that cannot be removed

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by normal brushing.

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It can accumulate both above

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and below your gums.

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Sub gingival tartar or tartar

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that is below

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your gum line,

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is one of the primary

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causes of gum disease

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and can only be removed

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by a trained dental professional.

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If it is not removed,

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over time,

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your gums can become irritated

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and pull away from your teeth.

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This is one of the early

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signs of gum disease.

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After removing any tartar,

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your dental hygienist

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will carefully floss between your teeth.

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Flossing helps remove plaque

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and any food particles

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that can become lodged there,

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leading to decay.

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A polishing agent

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is then applied to your teeth.

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This not only helps your teeth

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look and feel great,

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but it is harder for bacteria

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and plaque to accumulate

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on smooth tooth surfaces.

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As part of your cleaning,

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your dental hygienist

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may also apply a fluoride paste.

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Fluoride is a mineral

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that helps strengthen

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teeth against decay,

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and can be applied

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in a more concentrated amount

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than is available in

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consumer toothpastes.

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Dental cleanings

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are often part

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of your regular dental checkup.

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While cleaning your teeth,

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your dentist or dental hygienist

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can check for potential

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oral health issues,

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such as tooth decay and gum disease.

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They may also check

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for signs of oral cancer

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and other diseases,

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and take X-rays, or use

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other imaging technology

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to get a more complete

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look at your oral health.

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Prophylactic dental cleanings

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do not replace your normal oral

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hygiene routine.

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You need to brush your teeth

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for two minutes

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at least twice

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a day, and floss every day.

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By maintaining good oral hygiene,

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you can help prevent the need

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for costly restorations

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and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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To learn more about prophylactic

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dental cleanings,

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please contact your dentist.