Have you ever looked at your child’s teeth in the morning and seen a white film of plaque stuck on their teeth? You may be able to run your tongue over your own teeth after not brushing and feel a fuzzy coating on them.
Plaque is a sticky biofilm that develops on teeth as a result of the bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. Plaque contains bacteria which produce acids that attack the tooth surface and damage the teeth; this can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and calculus development.
If you are at increased risk for plaque build-up due to receding gums, age, wearing braces or even if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition such as arthritis – using a plaque-disclosing product can help you to identify areas of your teeth that you may have missed after completing your oral care routine.
Plaque disclosing products contain harmless dye that reacts with the plaque that remains on your teeth after cleaning. When you see the dyed areas, you can identify trouble spots to focus on when you brush and floss.
How do I use a plaque disclosing tablet?
The plaque disclosing tablet dissolves in the mouth when it comes into contact with saliva. Chew the tablet and swish the saliva around for around 30 seconds and spit it out.
Plaque disclosing tablets are available at local chemists and online.
Remember that plaque disclosing tablets can help you see where the plaque is located or where you are missing to allow you to remove it effectively. Removing plaque on the teeth is just part of the process to achieving a healthy smile.
