Examination of dental plaque & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a dental plaque check?

Dental plaque self-examination is done using a product that will stain the plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer that sticks to the teeth, slips between the teeth, and the gaps between the teeth and gums. Plaque can harden into tartar. The stains from these dental products will show how regularly you brush your teeth and do the flossing.

Plaque is formed due to bacteria settling on the teeth. These bacteria react to the sugars and starches in the food you eat to produce acids and other substances that cause damage to teeth, gums, and bones. Acid will decompose tooth enamel by breaking down minerals from the enamel (demineralization).

Products that you can use at home are:

• disclosing tablets
• disclosing solution
• disclosing swabs

These products will stain plaque that you missed when you brush your teeth and use floss to clean between your teeth and gums. Good techniques for brushing and flossing break plaque and prevent bacteria from settling with the acid to damage the teeth.

When should I get a dental plaque check?

Plaque builds up on the teeth every day and needs to be cleaned. Plaque that is left will stick along the grooves and the top surface of the teeth, between the teeth, and the gums. Checks are done to help you identify the plaque that you missed and improve the way you brush your teeth and floss so that no more plaque is missed. If dental plaque is not removed, this can lead to tooth decay and bleeding in the gums (gingivitis), resulting in swollen and reddened areas of the tooth.

Checking plaque will help you to take better care of your oral and dental health.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing a dental plaque examination?

The special dental glass will condense when it is too long in your mouth. Rinse the glass first with warm water to overcome this. Disclosing tablets may cause cheeks and lips to become reddish in color. The tablet will also make the inside of the mouth and tongue become reddish. Dentists recommend using the disclosing tablet at night so that by the next day, the discoloration on your face has completely disappeared.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a dental plaque examination?

You will need:

• one of them: disclosing in tablet, liquid, or gel form
• special dental glass to examine the inside of the mouth that is difficult to reach

You can find all of the above devices at the nearest dentist's office or pharmacy.

How is the process of examining dental plaque?

Brush your teeth and floss as usual. After that, use the disclosing products you have. Follow the usage rules listed on the product label. Rinse your mouth with clean water. Check for any remaining plaque. Disclosing products will color the plaque on your teeth. Your gums may also be stained with the coloring agents in these disclosing products, but this is a common thing. Use a dental glass, if you have one, to help you examine the teeth inside your mouth. If you find a stain, repeat brushing and flossing until the entire tooth area is clean. Disclosing checks will help you to clean any areas that have been overlooked.

Disclosing tablets

Chew the tablets and let them melt into your saliva. Gargle the disclosing tablet solution, reaching the tooth area with your tongue. Do this for 30 seconds, then discard the solution.

Liquid closing

Gargle the disclosing liquid for 30 seconds, then discard it.

Disclosing swab

Apply the gel evenly to the teeth using a cotton swab. The application can be repeated until you no longer find the colored plaque after brushing and flossing. You can use this gel once a month to make sure you have thoroughly removed the plaque.

What should I do after undergoing a dental plaque examination?

Disclosing products will color your mouth and tongue for at least a day after using these products. This coloring agent is harmless. Most people use disclosing tablets at night so that the next day the color changes fade over time. Some disclosing tablets will create reddish stains that can stain your clothes. Make sure to always read the instructions for use that are listed on the product label. Some disclosing products contain coloring agents that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal

There is no visible plaque or food debris slipping on the teeth.

Abnormal

The tablet will color the plaque area dark red. Disclosing the mouthwash will color the plaque area bright orange.

The colored plaque indicates that you passed these places when cleaning your teeth. Repeat brushing your teeth to get rid of plaque thoroughly.