To Disclose or Not to Disclose?
Plaque disclosing tablets, mouthwashes, or solutions can help you determine if there are parts of your mouth that you aren't brushing enough.
They can also be handy if you're an orthodontic patient. During orthodontic treatments like getting braces, you might have a more challenging time brushing your teeth. A study in the Turkish Journal of Orthodontics highlighted this. The participants in this study were all orthodontic patients. They were divided into three groups: the first one was motivated by conventional oral hygiene instructions, the second one was given plaque disclosing tablets in the dentist's office, while the third group experienced the same chairside demonstration and was also given at-home disclosing tablets. The study concluded that the self-application of disclosing tablets at home and repeated oral hygiene motivation can result in improved oral hygiene.
Another study in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry points out that dental plaque disclosing can be an effective strategy in infants to prevent early childhood caries (ECC).
Of course, the use of a plaque disclosing mouthwash needs to be accompanied by a vigorous oral hygiene routine. You must brush twice a day and floss daily. And don't forget to check with your dentist about whether incorporating disclosing tablets into your oral care is right for you.
Prevention is often better than cure, and it's especially so in the case of plaque buildup. Disclosing tablets can help you improve your oral hygiene routine and ensure that nothing causes your smile to waver!