Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that builds up between and around your teeth. A home dental plaque identification test shows where plaque builds up. This helps you know how well you are brushing and flossing.

Plaque is the biggest cause of tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). It is difficult to see with the naked eye, because it is whitish like teeth.

How the test is done? There are two methods to perform this test:

  • One method is to use special tablets that contain a red dye that stains the plaque. You chew 1 tablet, moving the saliva and dye mixture over your teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. Then rinse your mouth with water and examine your teeth. Any red-stained area is plaque. A small dental mirror can help check all areas.
  • The second method uses a license plate light. A special fluorescent solution is spread around the mouth. Gently rinse your mouth with water. Examine your teeth and gums while an ultraviolet light is projected to illuminate plaque inside your mouth. The light will make the plate look bright orange-yellow. The advantage of this method is that it does not leave red spots in your mouth.

In the office, dentists can often detect plaque through a comprehensive dental exam with dental instruments.

Come to Clinica Britannia for further information.