Delivering a Healthy WA
Are Your Teeth Really Clean?
Plaque, an almost invisible film of bacteria forms daily on everyone’s teeth.
If it is not cleaned off thoroughly it can cause tooth decay and gum diseases.
How can you tell if you have cleaned off all the plaque?
A disclosing agent (a red vegetable dye) stains plaque on the teeth, making it easy to see if
you have missed any areas.
Disclosing agents come in a tablet form which should be thoroughly chewed before
swishing around the mouth. Disclosing tablets are available from your dentist or local
pharmacy.
When should you use disclosing agents?
Use a disclosing agent after you have brushed and flossed as this will show you which
areas you have missed so you can improve your tooth brushing technique.
Once you are cleaning your teeth really well use a disclosing agent once a week for spotchecks.
What about staining?
It is best that children use disclosing agents under careful supervision because the dye
can stain clothing. The dye will temporarily stain the inside of the mouth but colour will
completely disappear within a few hours.
Turn over page to see how to disclose plaque.....
How to disclose plaque
„„ Brush and floss (depending on age) your teeth
„„ Cover lips lightly with vaseline or oil
„„ Chew the tablet thoroughly until dissolved
„„ ‘Swish’ dissolved tablet around your mouth until all teeth are coated
„„ Spit out and rinse two or three times to remove the excess vegetable dye
„„ The disclosing agent will stain any plaque present on your teeth a red colour
„„ Carefully examine all surfaces of all teeth to identify your ‘missed’ areas
„„ Brush and floss again, then check that all plaque (red colour) has been removed
Clinic Stamp
© Dental Health Education Unit 2010
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Contact the Dental Health Education Unit for further information on
9313 0604/5 or email [email protected]
Alternatively visit www.dental.wa.gov.au