PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Dental Plaque Tests





	Are you plaque free? Plaque is something you just can't stop. The key to keeping it just a nuisance and not a full-blown medical problem is to brush and floss daily and go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning. But you can also perform a simple test for its presence with disclosing tablets that color areas of plaque. You can do this at home, and once you've identified the unremoved plaque you can work harder at that flossing and brushing. Of course, we suggest you also brush immediately after the test, or be prepared to explain your purple teeth.



	Remember Those Pink Tablets? Most people associate dental plaque tests with grade school, when you may have been told to chew those pink tablets that showed you where you needed to improve your brushing. However, most of us continue to brush improperly. A dental plaque test helps you identify areas where plaque has formed. Because plaque is white, it is difficult to see without the aid of such a test. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay. That sticky substance on your teeth is actually a collection of millions of bacteria. If after several tests you are still able to locate plaque in the same area, consult your dentist. A dental plaque test is only a first step, because while it identifies plaque it does not remove it or treat the tooth decay or gingivitis it may cause. Finding a Dental Plaque Test It's a small market, so there aren't many brands and pricing is not very competitive. The costs are relatively low and much cheaper than a trip to the dentist's office just to figure out how to brush your teeth properly.



	What Is a Dental Plaque Test? Dental plaque tests are used to identify plaque in the mouth and aid in proper brushing. How Does it Work? Dental plaque tests react to bacteria-causing plaque and either dye it red or make it visible to a dental plaque light. Keep in mind that dental plaque tests do not treat plaque, they just make it pretty and pink so you know where it is. Check Your Test Before You Use It Follow storage information. Excesses of temperature, such as a hot car trunk or a sunny window, may affect the integrity of the chemicals essential for the accuracy of the test. Follow Your Normal Brushing Routine Because the disclosing tablets leave the mouth, lips, and cheeks stained light pink to dark red, it is suggested that you perform the test at night, so that the stains will be gone by the next morning. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do. The test will help identify where your normal brushing and flossing routine misses plaque removal. If possible, obtain a small dental mirror to check difficult-to-see areas. Performing the Tablet Test When using tablets, chew them thoroughly. Move the mixture of saliva and dye over the teeth and gums for approximately 30 seconds. Spit out excess fluid. Rinse mouth with water. The plaque is identified by the pink-stained areas. Using a Plaque Light Test Swirl the fluorescent solution around your mouth, over teeth and gums. Rinse mouth with water. Shine ultraviolet plaque light into your mouth to locate plaque. This method leaves no stains in the mouth.



	Beware of Gingivitis Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease caused by excessive plaque buildup and bacterial growth. It is fully treatable. The signs of gingivitis include red, inflamed gums; bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing; slightly receding gums; and possible pocket-formation between gums and teeth. There is no pain involved. See your dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms for more than a week. Untreated gingivitis can lead to peridontal disease and tooth loss.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers ADA Seal of Approval Products American Dental Hygenist Association American Dental Association Sources & Further Reading Books 1. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Family Medical Guide. 3rd Ed. New York: Random House 1994. 2. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998. 3. Segen, Joseph, and Joseph Stauffer.The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests: Everything you need to know about the tests your doctor prescribes. New York: Facts on File 1998. 4. Zaret, Barry L. Et al. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin 1997. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com. Articles 1. Tien, Linda."For many, home is where the test is, but not all tests are created equal". Star Tribune; 8/13/1995. 2. MacDonald, Sue."Testing your health at home". Gannett News Service; 8/8/1996.

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PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Dental Plaque Tests

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