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Dental plaque identification procedure and removal   

Overview | Risks | Results

Definition:

An at home procedure to identify areas of dental plaque, which can assess the thoroughness of brushing and flossing. Dental plaque is a sticky substance composed of millions of bacteria. Dental plaque collects around and between teeth. It is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis) and is hard to see because it is whitish colored like the teeth.

How the Test is Performed

There are 2 methods to perform this test. One method is with disclosing tablets. One tablet is chewed thoroughly, moving the mixture of saliva and dye over the teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. The tablet contains a red dye that will color the plaque. The mouth is then rinsed with water and the teeth are examined to identify pink-stained areas (unremoved plaque). A small dental mirror may help to check all areas.

The second method is a plaque light. With this method, a special fluorescent solution is swirled around the mouth. The mouth is rinsed gently with water, and the teeth and gums are examined while shining an ultraviolet plaque light into the mouth. The advantage of this method is that it leaves no pink stains in the mouth.

However in the office, dentists are often able to detect plaque through a thorough examination with dental instruments.

How to Prepare for the Test

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

Your mouth may feel slightly dried out after use of the dye.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed to help identify missed plaque and improve brushing and flossing of the teeth so that areas of plaque are not left. If the plaque is not removed, it can cause tooth decay or cause the gums to bleed easily (gingivitis) and become red or swollen.

See also:

• gums, bleeding
• gums, swollen

Ency. home > Test > D > Dental plaque identification procedure and removal

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