Oral prophylaxis, commonly known as dental cleaning, is a preventive dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gums. It typically involves scaling to remove hardened deposits (tartar) above and below the gum line, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove surface stains. Oral prophylaxis helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath by maintaining optimal oral hygiene. It is usually performed by dental hygienists as part of routine dental care and is recommended every six months for most patients.