Self-Examination for Dental Plaque

You will brush and floss your teeth. Then you will use the disclosing product. Follow the instructions on the package. Gently rinse your mouth with water. Check your teeth for plaque that has been colored with the dye. Your gums also may be stained and appear red, but this is not a problem. Use a dental mirror, if you have one, to help see behind teeth and the areas in the back of your mouth. If you find stained plaque, brush and floss again until it is gone. This helps you find areas you are missing.

Disclosing tablets

Chew a disclosing tablet and allow it to mix with your saliva. Swish the mixture around in your mouth with your tongue for about 30 seconds and then spit it out.

Disclosing solution

Put some disclosing solution in your mouth, swish it around for about 30 seconds, and then spit the solution out.

Disclosing swabs

Apply the swab to all tooth surfaces in your mouth.

Use these products regularly until you find no more areas of stained plaque after you brush and floss. You may want to test for plaque once a month to be sure you are getting rid of the plaque.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.