Oral prophylaxis or professional cleaning as it is sometimes called, removes plaque and calculus build-up from the surfaces of teeth, restorations or dentures. It is recommended to undergo oral prophylaxis once a year or every 6 months to remove deposits and stains that cannot be removed by mere tooth brushing and flossing. Professional cleaning can control gingival inflammation and can reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Ultrasonic scalers oscillate at high frequencies to clean teeth while flushing out debris with pressurized water. Oral prophylaxis is an effective adjunct to regular tooth brushing and flossingĀ  however it is not intended to replace oral hygiene practices at home.