Plaque on teeth is formed from the remains of food consumed during the day. Microorganisms found in dental plaque actively feed, reproduce and secrete their metabolic products. These processes provoke the development of caries and gum inflammation.
Plaque indicator tablets are used to detect areas of accumulation of pathogenic microflora.
How do indicators “color” teeth?
All products that are produced abroad today are a mixture of two dyes:
- brilliant blue - used for coloring confectionery products;
- violet - included in lipsticks in rich red shades.
Both dyes are recognized as absolutely safe, as they are added to food all over the world. Therefore, plaque indicators can be used by everyone, regardless of age. This is the main advantage of indicators.
What are plaque indicators used for? If such a composition gets on the teeth, the dye interacts with the resulting plaque and clearly reveals it. Moreover, the blue dye “sticks” better to dense old plaque, which cannot be removed without professional cleaning, while purple dye interacts well with fresh plaque. Therefore, when using plaque indicators, teeth may appear either pinkish or bluish-blue in various shade variations. The only side effect of using these products is that your tongue will turn a deep purple color for up to six hours. However, while for adults this is an embarrassing inconvenience, for children it is a fun highlight that they can show off to their friends.
How it works?
Dental appliances and hygiene products reduce the likelihood of developing diseases. Plaque indicators were invented in order to independently monitor the quality of teeth cleaning and timely visit the dentist to remove hard deposits. In a short time, this invention gained enormous popularity. There are various forms of release: powders, plates, etc. The most convenient option is tablets.
After the procedure, various results may be observed:
- If the teeth turn pink, this indicates that there is “fresh” plaque.
- Red color indicates a 3-5 day raid. Both options are the norm; you can eliminate the shortcomings yourself. To do this, you need to brush your teeth more thoroughly in areas that have become discolored. You can also use additional teeth cleaning products.
- Sometimes after using the tablet, areas of the enamel turn blue or purple. Don’t be afraid, this outcome of events is also acceptable. This means it's time to visit the dentist and have your teeth professionally cleaned and tartar removed. It is impossible to get rid of such plaque at home.
Types of indicators
There are two types of means for detecting plaque on teeth.
- Pills.
They must be chewed and distributed with the tongue over the surface of the teeth. Plaque is colored in different shades, revealing areas of the teeth that need additional attention. - Solution.
They need to rinse their mouth after brushing or apply it with a brush, then wait a few minutes and evaluate the result of the hygiene procedures. After assessing the result, it is usually enough to re-use the toothbrush and toothpaste. Dyes are easily washed off from teeth along with dangerous plaque residues.
How to properly care for your teeth
The question of how to choose a tool or types of dental care products should be considered separately. Nowadays, stores and pharmacies offer a wide range of devices. However, their incorrect use will not only not give the expected result, but can also harm dental health.
There is a list of basic requirements, compliance with which will help ensure proper oral care and maintain healthy teeth:
- The process of brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste should be thorough. This procedure is carried out in the morning and before bedtime. The brush functions in different directions during cleaning.
- You should not refuse to use floss to brush your teeth after every meal. In this way, plaque can be prevented from forming on the enamel surface.
- reduce the amount of sugar and starch in your daily diet. Frequent snackers are also susceptible to early destruction of tooth enamel;
- You should visit the dentist at least once every two months.
Plaque indicators for children
It will be quite difficult for kids to get used to the indicator in tablet form, so experts recommend starting with the product in liquid form.
A plaque indicator for a child is a good way to form a healthy habit of brushing teeth correctly from an early age. Using the product usually turns into a game: children like to watch how their white teeth change color, and then “fight” bacteria in those areas that the solution highlights brightly.
Adults in this game play the role of attentive observer. It is necessary to monitor the dosage of the product to ensure that the composition does not get on clothing, as it can stain it. After the “battle” with plaque, the liquid does not need to be swallowed. After cleaning, all stained areas of the teeth should return to their usual color.
Famous manufacturers
The type of medicine this material describes is produced by many brands. However, there is a rating that includes the best manufacturers and the most popular models, according to buyers:
- Country: Switzerland. The company specializes in the production of dental care products. Each product is manufactured in accordance with innovative developments in the field. It should be noted that hygiene products from this company are the most popular among consumers.
- StomaDent. Products are produced in our country. The brand has been known since 1989. All products are of high quality. It produces dental products for various purposes.
- Country of origin: Italy. The company was founded in the late 1990s. The product range is extremely diverse. Products comply with ISO quality indicators.
- Modum Wünderdent. The brand arose as a result of the merger of well-known Belarusian and German companies. It appeared on the dental products market relatively recently. The products are of good quality.
- Miradent. Country of origin: Germany. The brand has been known since 1982. Develops effective dental products in accordance with norms and quality standards. The products are created by qualified dentists together with leading pharmacists.
- Paro. Country of origin: Switzerland. The company has been known since the late 1970s. The main activity of the company is aimed at producing drugs that prevent diseases of teeth and gums. Testing of each individual product is carried out in accordance with the latest innovative developments.
Which indicator should you choose?
Manufacturers of the most famous indicators at the moment, in the line of which you can find both liquid products and indicators in tablet form:
- Miradent;
- Curaprox.
The production volume can be different, so it’s easy to choose the one that’s right for you: a package of tablets can contain from 6 to 250 pieces. A bottle of liquid - from 10 to 500 milliliters.
Some manufacturers provide a separate line of products for children, adding flavors to the solution, for example, chewing gum, which kids like.
Is the composition safe?
Most people believe that such products are very dangerous to health, as they contain many chemical compounds. In fact, such tablets are completely safe for the body, they are allowed even for children. There is no need to swallow them, but if a little product gets inside, nothing bad will happen. Some manufacturers add flavorings to tablets. This gives the tablets a pleasant taste and aroma.
Depending on the manufacturer, the composition may vary slightly. Despite this, we can say with confidence that absolutely all indicators are not hazardous to health.
What to pay attention to
- The plaque indicator may contain xylitol or saccharin to give the solution a pleasant taste, although the product may be completely tasteless.
- Preference should be given to indicators with dyes that act only on the surface of the teeth and do not affect the mucous membrane.
- It is best to avoid solutions or tablets containing gluten or erythrosine due to the body's sensitivity to these substances.
One of the important rules of oral hygiene is thorough removal of plaque from the surface of the teeth and tongue. Don't forget that plaque often causes dental diseases. Use the plaque indicator in the form you prefer. It's effective, safe and very simple.
How to use the tablets
Children under 7 years of age should use plaque indicators under adult supervision. For a child, it will be enough to use half a tablet.
The short duration of use of the indicator is its undoubted advantage. The tablet must be chewed thoroughly without swallowing. After this, you need to rinse your mouth and carefully examine the oral cavity. Fresh plaque will be colored pink, crimson or reddish, and old plaque will be blue or dark blue.
It may happen that not only the teeth, but also the entire mouth, tongue and palate become stained. There is no need to be afraid of this; the color will disappear in 20-30 minutes.
Dentists believe that such drugs will help you be more responsible about your oral health and take better care of it. Using plaque indicators at home is not only simple, but also effective.
When should you use mouthwash?
With halitosis. If bad breath occurs frequently, a mouthwash will help remove it. It reduces the number of bacteria, slows down their reproduction, and cleans even those areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush (subgingival, interdental areas, surface of the tongue, gums, cheeks). When rinsing, residues and food particles are washed away, which can cause an unpleasant odor.
If caries appears frequently. It is formed when plaque accumulates on the enamel, when the acidity in the mouth becomes too high (including due to the active growth of bacteria). Antibacterial solutions help reduce acidity, and additional cleansing reduces plaque formation. The mouthwash may contain fluorides or other mineral components that strengthen the enamel, restore its structure, and protect against caries.
With the rapid appearance of tartar. It is formed when soft plaque hardens. It can only be removed with professional cleaning. To prevent tartar from appearing again, effective hygiene is important. Using rinses, you can slow down the formation of deposits: they wash the enamel surface, remove food particles, slow down the growth of bacteria, and help keep teeth clean throughout the day.
If the enamel is highly sensitive. In this case, you need to use solutions with a mineralizing effect. They must contain fluorides. When rinsed, they penetrate the enamel structure, restore it, strengthen it and reduce sensitivity. It’s good if the solution is also antibacterial: it will help reduce acidity in the mouth, eliminating pain.
For bleeding or inflammation of the gums. The use of solutions with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects is part of the prevention and treatment of gum disease. They help relieve inflammation, accelerate the healing of the mucous membrane, and slow down the formation of tartar under the gingival margin.
