LAB TEST
Dental plaque identification at home
Plaque is a soft and sticky substance that collects around and between teeth. The home dental plaque identification test shows where plaque builds up. This helps you know how well you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Plaque is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease ( gingivitis ). It is hard to see with the naked eye because it is whitish colored, like teeth.
How the Test is Performed
There are two ways to perform this test. One method uses special tablets that contain a red dye that stains the plaque. You chew 1 tablet thoroughly, moving the mixture of saliva and dye over your teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. Then rinse your mouth with water and examine your teeth. Any red-stained areas are…
How to Prepare for the Test
Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.
How the Test will Feel
Your mouth may feel slightly dried out after using the dye.
Why the Test is Performed
The test helps identify missed plaque. It can encourage you to improve your brushing and flossing so that you remove more plaque from your teeth. Plaque that remains on your teeth can cause tooth decay or make your gums bleed easily and become red or swollen.
Normal Results
No plaque or food debris will be seen on your teeth.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The tablets will stain areas of plaque dark red. The plaque light solution will color the plaque a bright orange-yellow. The colored areas show where brushing and flossing was not sufficient. These areas need to be brushed again to get rid of the stained plaque.
Risks
There are no risks.
Considerations
The tablets may cause a temporary pink coloring of your lips and cheeks. They may color your mouth and tongue red. Dentists suggest using them at night so that the color will be gone by morning.
References
Hughes CV, Dean JA. Mechanical and chemotherapeutic home oral hygiene. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry of the Child and Adolescent. 11th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 8. Jahn CA, Mancinelli-Lyle D. Plaque biofilm control for the periodontal patient. In: Newman MG, Klokkevold PR, Elangovan S,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/03/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.