Dental prophylaxis or scale and polish of the teeth is carried out if necessary at a visit to the clinic. This involves the removal of plaque and calculus from around the tooth surfaces and gums.
Plaque is a sticky quasi invisible layer of material which forms on the teeth when not brushed properly. It consists of bacteria, food debris mixed with saliva. When you eat or drink something sugary the bacteria in the plaque turn the sugar into acids which in turn attack the tooth surfaces and cuse decay, and also toxins which cause inflammation of the gums ( gingivitis).
Calculus is plaque which has been left on the tooth for some time and now hardens and attaches firmly to the teeth. It also causes gingivitis and periodontitis (advanced gum desease). Finally the teeth are polished using an appropriate polishing paste to remove residual stains on the teeth.