> A prophylactic is a medication or a treatment designed and used to prevent a disease from occurring. For example, prophylactic antibiotics may be used after a bout of rheumatic fever to prevent the subsequent development of Sydenham's chorea.

> A prophylactic is also a drug or device, particularly a condom, for preventing pregnancy.

In this case, dental treatments are used to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, for this reason, they are considered prophylactic treatments.