Tooth decay and gum disease are the primary causes of dental pain and tooth loss. They manifest from the build-up of plaque on your teeth over time. Normally plaque can be difficult to see because it’s often a similar colour to your teeth. Alternatively, calculus tends to be slightly darker in colour.

Plaque disclosing tablets contain staining dyes to highlight new and old plaque, making it have greater contrast to your teeth and allowing for better identification. The differing properties and characteristics of new and old plaque causes them to stain differently. New plaque stains red and old plaque stains blue.

Older plaque becomes mineralised by saliva into a harder substance known as calculus, which leads to a greater accumulation of problematic new plaque. It’s important we remove both types of plaque as they are driving processes for the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists and other dental professionals may have given you a plaque score before. This examination is done after plaque disclosing as it helps score the number of teeth surfaces with plaque.

Comparing a plaque score over time is a helpful tool for measuring how effectively you are brushing your teeth and cleaning between them (interdental cleaning). It can also highlight which areas of your mouth are being missed out when brushing so that you can target them better in the future.

By using plaque disclosing tablets, you can monitor and improve your oral hygiene and reduce your plaque score over time. Limiting your dental plaque can reduce the risk of developing dental disease and helps to keep your smile happy and healthy.