In the context of individual prophylaxis, the dentist performs prophylactic measures on the patient. A distinction can be made between individual prophylaxis for children or adolescents and individual prophylaxis for adults.
What is individual prophylaxis?
Within the framework of individual prophylaxis, the dentist performs prophylactic measures on the patient. The aim of individual prophylaxis is the prevention of caries and periodontitis. Especially with increased consumption of sugary foods and beverages, normal cleaning of the teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste is often not enough. Pain, hypersensitivity, bleeding gums and bad breath are indications of caries or periodontitis. The aim of individual prophylaxis is the prevention of caries and periodontitis. The individual preventive measures of individual prophylaxis are precisely tailored to the individual patient. Various tests are used to determine the need. These tests can be used to determine oral hygiene indices, which indicate susceptibilities to dental diseases in the dentition. A germ determination and saliva analysis may also be performed. Based on the test results, the dentist or prophylaxis staff can identify disease risks and communicate them to the patient. These examinations are also referred to as preventive examinations.
Function, effect and goals
Legislation provides special support for individual prophylaxis in children and adolescents. Part of individual prophylaxis in children and adolescents is the dental screening examination (FU). The first early detection examination should take place in the third year of life. The minimum interval between two early detection examinations should be one year. In addition, an oral hygiene status can be performed once a year. During the survey of this status, oral hygiene is assessed. The condition of the gums is also assessed using the proximal plaque index, papillary bleeding index or Quigley-Hein index. A bitewing radiograph may be taken to diagnose caries. Part of individual prophylaxis in children is also oral health education. In this process, the children and adolescents or their parents are educated about the causes of disease. They are also given tips on how to prevent caries and gingivitis. The influence of diet on dental health and the role of proper oral hygiene are discussed. In addition, dentists make recommendations on the use of fluoridation agents to harden tooth enamel. For example, fluoridated table salt or fluoridated toothpaste may be used. Fluoride tablets may also be prescribed if appropriate. As part of oral health education, children and adolescents can also practice oral hygiene techniques hands-on. It is important that the children and adolescents also learn how to clean the interdental spaces. The content and scope of the respective measures are determined by the dentist with regard to the individual circumstances of each patient’s case. Individual prophylaxis for children and adolescents also includes local fluoridation of individual teeth with varnish or gel and sealing of permanent molars. This involves sealing caries-free fissures and pits with acrylics. If necessary, hard dental plaque is also removed as part of individual prophylaxis. The removal of hard plaque is also part of individual prophylaxis for adults. Another individual prophylactic service is the collection of the Periodontal Screening Index. This PSI code uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets, the bleeding tendency of the gums and the roughness of the tooth surfaces within the periodontal pockets. For examination, the dentition is divided into six different areas. On each tooth, the above parameters are measured at six points. The results are recorded on a scale that ranges from 0 to 4. If the value is 0, the gums and periodontium are healthy. With code 1 or 2, there is probably inflammation of the gums. Code 3 and code 4 can be taken as an indication of severe or moderate periodontitis. Gum pocket depth measurement is also an individual prophylactic service for adults. The cost of these measures for adults is covered by health insurance at certain intervals. There are other services that the patient usually has to pay for himself.This includes, for example, the preparation of an oral hygiene status. The measures of individual prophylaxis also include the associated subsequent control. Another individual prophylactic measure is local fluoridation, in which varnishes or gels are applied to improve the tooth structure, prevent caries and treat caries. During professional teeth cleaning, plaque on the tooth and root surfaces is removed. In addition, the interdental spaces are cleaned and the biofilm on the teeth is removed. This is followed by surface polishing and fluoridation. Similar to children’s and adolescents’ prophylaxis, caries-free fissures in adults can also be sealed with hardening acrylics. If present, hard and soft plaque is removed as part of individual prophylaxis. If necessary, polishing is also performed on single-rooted teeth, implants or pontics.
Risks, side effects and dangers
There are actually no risks when performing individual prophylaxis. However, some people are sensitive to the fluorides that may be used as part of individual prophylaxis. In case of intolerance or overdose, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dermatitis, acne, nail discoloration or bone and joint symptoms may occur. It should be noted that fluorides can accumulate in the body. Fluorides should be used with caution in children, adolescents, women of childbearing age and pregnant women. Kidney and liver damage, hypothyroidism and existing tumor disease are also contraindications to the use of fluorides. Apart from these risks, however, the benefits of individual prophylaxis outweigh the disadvantages. Prophylaxis is particularly important for patients who are susceptible to caries or already suffer from periodontitis. Studies show that the risk of dental disease can be reduced by regular individual prophylaxis. High-risk groups such as pregnant women, smokers, HIV or diabetes patients, endocarditis patients, or patients with a family history of gum disease and edentulism should definitely not forgo individual prophylaxis.
