Are plaque disclosing tablets safe?
Plaque disclosing tablets are safe for both children and adults. However, the only potential concern associated with the use of these tablets is their propensity to cause staining on clothing or bathroom fixtures. Plaque disclosing agents employ the use of dye and material such as food dyes, erythrosine, and fluorescein which do not pose any risk to one’s health.
The use of disclosing tablets is safe as long as they are not swallowed. If there is a concern that a child may be swallowing the dye, it is advised to supervise them while administering the tablet.
What are Plaque Disclosing Tablets?
Dental disclosing tablets contain a safe, non-toxic pink or purple dye that interacts with dental plaque that remains in the mouth after regular brushing and flossing. The dye is activated when the tablet is chewed and temporarily reveals plaque build-up within the mouth.
Disclosing tablets can be a beneficial tool for establishing proper oral hygiene practices, as they make it more apparent where plaque buildup has occurred on the teeth. These tablets make it easier to identify areas that may have been missed during brushing and flossing, allowing for more comprehensive at-home oral care.
Plaque disclosing tablets can be beneficial for:
- Individuals with fixed orthodontic treatments such as braces.
- Parents should provide assistance to their children by helping them clean their teeth and teaching them the proper techniques for brushing and flossing.
- Caretakers perform dental cleaning services for individuals with special needs.
- Adults who are looking to enhance the efficacy of their brushing and flossing habits may benefit from further guidance.
A recent study conducted among three groups of orthodontic patients revealed that those who utilized disclosing tablets for self-examination at home had reduced levels of dental plaque in comparison to those who did not.
How to Use Plaque Disclosing Tablets
Dental plaque disclosing tablets provide an effective and convenient way to promote proper dental hygiene for individuals of all ages.
Here is the method of use for these items:
- It is recommended that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, ensuring that all tooth surfaces and gumlines are thoroughly cleaned.
- Floss your teeth.
- Utilize your tongue to assist with spreading the dye along the surfaces of your upper and lower teeth.
- Spit into the sink while the water is running, as to not cause potential staining due to the dye. Immediately rinse away after spitting to avoid any residue.
- Examine your teeth and gums in the mirror to check for any stains left by the disclosing tablet.
- Using your toothbrush, thoroughly re-brush stained areas until the dye is no longer visible.
- Rinse your mouth with water and carefully spit out any dye present. If the dye comes in contact with your lips or the skin around your mouth, clean it immediately to prevent potential staining.
- It is recommended to use a fluoridated rinse after brushing with a toothpaste in order to prevent cavities, as rinsing will reduce the anti-cavity properties of the toothpaste.
Other Oral Health Tips
Plaque disclosing tablets can be a beneficial addition to any oral hygiene routine. While they do not clean teeth, the dye in these tablets can demonstrate areas where plaque buildup has been missed while brushing. This can help guide users towards cleaner teeth.
In addition to brushing, other effective methods of removing dental plaque and maintaining oral hygiene include:
- Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, is the recommended way to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Maintaining oral hygiene by using dental floss or a water flosser to clean between the teeth.
- When brushing, use gentle circular motions and pay particular attention to the area around the gum line.