Disclosing Tablets
Disclosing tablets contain harmless red vegetable dye that reveals plaque left on your teeth by turning it red temporarily. By using these special chewable tablets after you brush and floss, you can see the areas that you’re missing.
What is plaque?
Plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that’s constantly forming on your teeth, is the main cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease. If it’s not removed, plaque builds up and mineralizes to become rock-hard tartar in as little as twenty-four hours. There’s no way you can remove tartar at home, because a toothbrush and floss won’t even budge it. Tartar can only be removed with by a dental professional, using special techniques and instruments.
How do you use disclosing tablets?
After brushing and flossing, simply chew a disclosing tablet, swish it around in your mouth for about a minute, and then rinse with water. Using a mirror, check all sides of your teeth for any areas that have been stained red, especially near the gumline. Brush and floss these areas again to be confident that your teeth are free from plaque.
Disclosing tablets help improve your brushing pattern and technique
Without even realizing it, you may be regularly missing certain parts of your teeth when you brush and floss; disclosing tablets can help you identify these neglected areas. For example, many of our patients don’t brush their back teeth, the back sides of their teeth, or the area next to the gumline as thoroughly as they should. Using disclosing tablets for a few days will show you if you routinely miss any areas. When you know where these areas are, you can spend a bit more time brushing and flossing them, and soon, it will be part of your regular dental hygiene routine.
Make sure to ask Kathy or Michelle for a sample of Disclosing tablets at your next visit. Disclosing tablets and be purchased almost anywhere you can purchase a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.
Oral Hygiene Care
ORAL HYGIENE CARE
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if advised to do so
- Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
The following are indications of good oral hygiene:
- Your teeth are clean and free of debris
- Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
Dr. John Artemenko, your friendly Sterling Heights, MI dentist
