What is a Prophylaxis?

A prophylaxis, also known as a dental cleaning or scaling and polishing, is a procedure that is performed to remove plaque and tartar from a pet’s teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, and if left untreated, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove.

During a prophylaxis, the veterinarian will use special tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and gums. They may also use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to loosen and remove plaque and tartar. The teeth are then polished to smooth out any rough surfaces, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the future.

Prophylaxis is usually recommended for pets with moderate to severe dental disease, or if it has been a while since their last dental cleaning. It is an important part of maintaining your pet’s dental health and can help prevent serious health issues such as infections, organ damage, and tooth loss.