How to Tell If You Have Plaque On Your Teeth

Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, you may still have hidden plaque buildup on your teeth that causes tooth decay and gum disease. It's important to make sure that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and not overlook any leftover plaque if you want to have healthy teeth. Seeing this leftover plaque on your teeth can seem impossible with your naked eye, but in reality, it is possible with the use of plaque-disclosing tablets. These special tablets temporarily dye the plaque on your teeth, therefore allowing you to see it more easily.

Things You'll Need

• Plaque-disclosing tablets

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Chew one tablet thoroughly. Swish the mixture of the tablet and saliva around your mouth, making sure to reach your teeth and gums, for 30 seconds.

• 2

  Spit out the tablet into a trash receptacle or sink, then rinse your mouth out with water.

• 3

  Examine your teeth. The tablets contain a red or purple dye that sticks to the plaque, allowing you to identify where it is. Use a small dental mirror in front of your bathroom mirror so you can thoroughly inspect all your teeth.

• 4

  Remove the visible plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, then repeat the entire process until there is no more plaque left.