Dental Cleanings & Exams
Advanced Hygiene Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Dental prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Depending on your condition, we recommend full dental cleanings at six-month intervals (twice a year). Every patient’s dental needs are different. For some individuals, more frequent cleanings are needed to positively affect their oral health
Your dental health, whether good or bad, affects your entire body. Research has found that periodontal diseases can predispose individuals to many systematic diseases, including oral and colorectal cancer, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure for keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. Learn more about Advanced Hygiene Concepts and our Soft Tissue Management Program.

Professional Teeth Cleanings
A professional dental cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that cleanings be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers.
Our Advanced Hygiene Concepts and Soft Tissue Management Program has been a game changer for patients with gum disease (gingivitist). It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Aaron Santos can use to effectively halt its progression.
The Benefits of a Professional Teeth Cleaning
Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.