by A high quality prophy paste leaves patients with a clean, polished feeling.
Patients desire the fresh, clean feel of polished teeth. Indeed, a bitter aftertaste may be all it takes to deter them from returning for their next cleaning! With the right prophy paste, dental professionals can deliver the experience and results their patients expect.
Research supports that keeping teeth free of plaque and calculus is one of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease. A regular professional prophylaxis – or cleaning – using a polishing paste containing an abrasive, such as flour or pumice, to remove dental biofilm and extrinsic stains from the coronal surfaces is an important component of a healthy oral hygiene regimen.
But, not all prophy pastes are the same, according to experts. The handling characteristics, consistency and flavor quality of the paste can influence both professional and patient acceptance. Hygienists seek a low-splatter, flash-rinsing paste that leaves a clean surface, while patients look for a fresh, clean, smooth mouth feel, a pleasant taste experience and shiny, stain-free teeth. While most products make these claims, not all deliver, often resulting in a less-than-positive experience for both the clinician and patient.
Less mess, better feel, greater variety
Prophy pastes today are designed to enhance the dental experience – both for hygienists and their patients. Manufacturers, for instance, have added a variety of new flavors in addition to traditional mint and bubblegum. Younger patients in particular can enjoy the wide selection, leaving them with a positive feeling about their dental visits for many years to come.
Manufacturers have also worked to deliver prophy pastes less prone to splatter and grit. In the past, excessive splatter has made for a messier prophylaxis, as well as increased the risk of cross contamination and resulted in longer cleaning and preparation time between patients. And, patients have been known to complain of excessive grittiness, which can be deflating for hygienists striving to provide the best possible experience. Indeed, an easy chair experience and a smiling, satisfied patient can be the greatest validation of a job well done.
In recent years, many manufacturers have also placed additives, such as xylitol and calcium phosphate, in their paste to redeposit the building blocks of the tooth enamel. While many experts agree these are desirable ingredients, clinical studies have yet to support their therapeutic benefit.
Experts recommend that dental professionals sample products prior to purchasing them. Experiencing the paste’s performance in their hands and taking time to assess their patients’ reaction to the taste and feel of the paste can be key to providing predictable and desirable clinical outcomes.
Editor’s note: Efficiency in Group Practice would like to thank Preventive Technologies, Inc. for its assistance with this article.
A good investment
A box of prophy paste can range from $15 to $65 for a box of 200 cups – the equivalent of paying just 7 to 37 cents for a 2-gram cup. But, saving a few pennies up front may not benefit the dental practice in the long run. While all prophy pastes contain the same active ingredients, the packaging, functionality, handling and flavor quality of lower grade products are often less than satisfactory for both professionals and their patients. One of the last things patients experience before leaving their dental visit – and scheduling their next appointment – is the taste and clean mouth feel of the prophy paste. A pleasant taste and a good feeling are much more likely to bring them back for a return visit.
