Plaque staining tablets

There are tablets as well as liquids or gels that stain the plaque and thus indicate where it has not been cleaned properly. The tablets are simply chewed and spread in the mouth. The liquids and gels can be applied to the teeth with a brush.

Many dentists and dental hygienists use them to show the patient which areas he/she has rather neglected and where he/she needs to brush more precisely. But there are also staining tablets or toothpastes for use at home. If you are unsure about your tooth brushing technique, you should use them occasionally to check the brushing result yourself.

All remedies contain an indicator that stains the strength contained in the plaque. There are systems where the plaque is displayed in one color. Others differentiate between fresh and old plaque by color. The most modern system, which is used in some dental offices, only shows the plaque in color in UV light. In normal light the plaque remains colorless.

Home remedy against plaque

If the plaque is still fresh, it can be easily removed by brushing your teeth. Since plaque always reappears, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should use fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Antibacterial mouthrinses and mouth showers can be used additionally, but should never replace brushing your teeth, as plaque can only be removed mechanically. Changing the toothbrush regularly reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth. The toothbrush should therefore be changed every 2 months.

If the bristles are already sticking out a lot, you should change the toothbrush even more often and work with less pressure. The tooth wiping areas, which altogether make up 1/3 of the tooth surface, often cannot be cleaned sufficiently with the toothbrush. Therefore, you should use dental floss or interdental brushes once a day.

Most bacteria are on the tongue. The fewer there are, the less bacteria can colonize the plaque. For this reason, cleaning the tongue is a good way to fight plaque.

After eating, it is also recommended to drink a glass of water to bring the pH from an acidic to a neutral environment. Most bacteria can only live in an acidic environment. Sugar-free chewing gum can also help to improve oral hygiene.

Those that contain xylitol bring the pH value of the saliva to neutral values more quickly. Household remedies such as citric acid or baking powder and salt are not recommended.Although they dissolve the plaque, they also attack the enamel to such an extent that it is rougher than before. New plaque can adhere to this rough surface all the more easily. In addition, the enamel is rubbed off by abrasive agents. Since it does not grow back in the course of a lifetime, you destroy more of yourself than you do of the plaque.