Teeth Cleaning in the Virgin Islands

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Prophylaxis is also an effective procedure to keep the oral cavity in proper health and stop the progression of gum disease. Understanding the value of prophylaxis teeth cleanings and utilizing the practice can significantly impact your overall well-being. 

At VI Dental Center in the Virgin Islands, we see prophylaxis teeth cleaning as vital to preventive dental care. Prophylaxis cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that home routines may miss, contributing to a healthier smile and fresher breath. We pride ourselves on providing our patients with the quality care they deserve, reflecting our commitment to providing families with outstanding dental care. If you are looking for dedicated and compassionate dental care, contact us to schedule an appointment at our St. Croix or St. Thomas dental offices.

What is Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning?

Prophylaxis teeth cleaning is the general dental cleaning you receive whenever you visit the dentist’s office. However, most dentists will refer to this as your “routine cleaning” rather than using its proper name.

Who Needs Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning?

While prophylaxis teeth cleaning is essential for every patient, individuals with certain health conditions, like diabetes or those who smoke, may need more frequent cleanings. We strongly urge you to speak with your dental professional about how your lifestyle or health conditions may affect the frequency and type of cleanings you need.

Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular prophylaxis teeth cleanings can do more than just prevent gum disease – it can also lower the risk of severe conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Specific types of inflammation and infections in the mouth can contribute to other systemic health issues, meaning that dental care is an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being and future of healthy smiles.

What Tools Are Used During Dental Cleanings?

At VI Dental Center, we use advanced tools such as ultrasonic scalers, digital scans, and X-rays to ensure thorough cleanings and early detection of dental issues. However, we also use tools you might be more familiar with, including our trusty dental drill, mirrors, water flossers, and air suction.

Our up-to-date techniques and state-of-the-art tools allow us to provide precise, comfortable care while ensuring your oral health remains our top priority.

If you have any concerns about your care with us, including about any specific tools or pieces of technology, please reach out to us. We’re happy to work together to find a better solution, calm your concerns, or answer your questions and provide information.

What Are the Benefits of Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning?

VI Dental Center is the step towards beautiful, healthy smiles. We can’t wait to meet you!

For the last 15 years, our primary mission has been serving families in the Virgin Islands with the incredible experience they truly deserve. Whether you need cosmetic treatment, wisdom tooth removal, a root canal, orthodontics, or anything in between, VI Dental wants to serve you. We’re your Virgin Islands dentist!

The benefits of prophylaxis teeth cleaning include:

• Plaque removal: Tartar and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier-looking smile: Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the aesthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection often results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque and bacteria can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
• Prevention of other dental issues: The buildup of plaque and other bacteria-carrying substances in the mouth can increase the risk of gum disease and severe infections.

There are additional benefits to proper cleaning and regular visits to the dentist’s office, such as general improvements to your health and longevity of your smile. In many ways, restorative dentistry can improve your teeth and dental health. Families with young children can also start building positive habits early on, improving comfort and health in the community as a whole.

We encourage you to take good care of your smile and see your dental provider on a regular basis. Most individuals benefit from visiting the dentist twice a year, though your provider may recommend you visit more frequently. Your oral health is our top priority, and we can make it easier to protect the longevity and lifetime of your gorgeous smile at home and in our office.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but it should be completed every three to four months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools that our team can use to effectively halt its progression.

If you have any questions about our recommendations or cleaning processes, feel free to contact us. You may have specific needs and questions, and we want to do our best to give you the answers and guidance you need. VI Dental Center looks forward to hearing from you!

How to Maintain Dental Hygiene at Home

Between visits, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is crucial. We have several recommendations that may improve your dental hygiene between dental visits and professional teeth cleanings, such as the following:

• Floss daily, paying particular attention to all surfaces
• Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash
• Avoid any sugary foods or drinks that could contribute to plaque buildup
• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratches or other damage to your teeth
• Talk to your dentist whether you would benefit from investing in an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth more effectively
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Each session should last at least two minutes
• Follow your dentist’s recommendations for products and tools, including toothpaste, water flossers, and mouthwashes

If you want to maintain your dental hygiene to the best of your ability, following our recommendations and coming in for your routine check-ups is essential. How often you come in may also vary, as some patients may need more cleanings than others.

If you wish to ask any questions about proper cleaning techniques, what happens during routine or deep cleanings, or if you want to schedule an appointment with us, please give us a call.

Additional Care That VI Dental Center Can Provide to Patients

In addition to providing prophylaxis teeth cleaning, our dental team can perform several other treatments and procedures for our patients. Depending on what you need, we can help you explore your options and work toward what is best for you or your family.

The following are some of the other services we provide at VI Dental Center:

• Implants
• Veneers
• Bridges and crowns
• Traditional braces
• Hygiene education
• Medication prescriptions
• Referrals to additional specialists
• Night guard and grind guard fittings
• Laser treatments
• Extractions

We also provide many other services, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the care we can give. Our team of dedicated staff all look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your smile goals and dental health. Please get in touch with VI Dental Center to schedule a consultation or appointment with our dedicated care team.

Keep Your Smile Healthy: Contact VI Dental Center for Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning and Outstanding Dental Care

Ready to enhance your smile and ensure your oral health is in top shape? At VI Dental Center, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive cleaning services that go beyond just aesthetics. Our prophylaxis treatment is designed to prevent the progression of gum diseases and maintain your oral health. Our practice is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our clients, working to make them feel comfortable and confident in our office.

You do not have to wait to take the first step towards a healthier, fresher smile. Contact us today at our St. Thomas dental office at (340) 776-6056 or our St. Croix office at (340) 772-6000 to schedule your appointment. If you wish, you can also use our contact form. You can also contact us if you have questions after your care, as we want you to feel prepared and well-informed. Discover more about how we can serve your dental needs in the Virgin Islands at VI Dental Center.