One of the most common causes of gingivitis, caries, periodontitis or other dental diseases is plaque, which is almost impossible to completely eliminate with a toothbrush. Soft deposits on the teeth in the form of plaque gradually accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, where over time they begin to harden, turning into stones, subsequently they can be removed only with the help of professional brushing, which is carried out once a year.
However, you can get rid of soft plaque, which is formed a few hours after eating, using modern dental products alone. These are special plaque indicators showing its location in the oral cavity.
The mechanism of action of indicators
You can check how clean your teeth are, using special tools to indicate plaque on the teeth. To date, there are many similar pharmacological preparations in the form of tablets, sprays and fluids that determine the presence of plaque. The most popular tablet form, as tablets have a lower cost and high ease of use.
The principle of exposure to plaque indicators is as follows: special food colors, which are part of such products, stain the sticky film of the oral cavity, which is plaque, in a bright color. This action allows you to visually identify areas of the dentition, which need to be paid more attention during the cleaning process.
When the raid is fresh
In cases when the plaque is fresh, that is, it formed no more than three days ago, then the zones of such teeth will turn pink or red. Such a film can be eliminated by yourself, well brushing your teeth. However, if dental deposits are old, plaque indicators will color them blue. This phenomenon indicates the presence of tartar. You can eliminate them only at the dentist. In children, as a rule, this problem rarely occurs. Usually it is observed in the adult population of the planet.
Many do not realize that there is such an amazing dental product on the pharmaceutical market as an indicator of plaque on the teeth. Dentists are increasingly recommending such indicators to their patients that can improve the process of conducting personal hygiene of the oral cavity and dentition, as well as prevent the occurrence of many dangerous diseases.
The composition of indicators
Some dentist patients mistakenly believe that these products are harmful to health, since they contain food colors that help stain the teeth.
In fact, plaque indicators are absolutely safe for children and adults, and dyes can be easily removed from teeth and gums with a standard toothbrush. As a coloring substance, erythrosine is used, which is a food supplement E127. This dye works without penetrating the hard tissues of the oral cavity. In addition to it, the following indicators are contained in indicators:
- water;
- potassium sorbate;
- sodium benzoate;
- magnesium stearate;
- magnesium carbonate;
- polyvinylpyrrolidone.
In some cases, xylitol or saccharin may be added to them. Also, manufacturers often use various food flavorings so that plaque indicators have a pleasant taste and smell that children will like.
Application rules
Indicators that determine plaque and tartar can be used at any age. Nevertheless, children under 6 years of age should use these funds only under the supervision of parents, who must observe that the child does not swallow a tablet or liquid for indication.
To determine the areas where plaque and tartar are located, you need to chew one tablet, distributing it throughout the oral cavity (half the tablet is enough for a child). If the indicator is liquid, rinse your mouth thoroughly with it. Chewing or rinsing takes about one minute. Swallowing is strictly prohibited. Next, you need to spit out the product, and rinse the mouth well with warm water and examine in the mirror. Bacterial plaque on the teeth will be immediately noticeable. After that, the stains should simply be brushed with toothpaste and a brush.
Types of funds
There are many different companies that produce plaque indicators. During the selection of funds, you need to take into account age, allergies, the price of the drug. The following medicines are most popular:
- Kuraproks;
- "The president";
- "Dinal";
- Disclosing tablets;
- Miradent.
All of them are easy to use, safe and effective, only their cost and the number of pieces in a pack differ. For home use, such products are recommended for patients wearing braces, babies with interchangeable bites, as well as people who suffer from various dental diseases.
Now many people know what plaque indicators are and how they are used.