Our Location:
Nashua Smile Makers
Nashua, NH 03060

Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- August (5)
- Talk With Your Dentist About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
- Finding the Perfect Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment for You
- Reasons You Should Consider Veneers
- Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
- Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
- March (5)
- Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
- Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
- You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2011
Tags
- pediatric dentistry (17)
- celebrity smiles (91)
- orthodontics (10)
- palatal expanders (2)
- braces (11)
- veneers (14)
- prepless veneers (1)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (8)
- porcelain veneers (8)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- oral health (33)
- Oral Hygiene (38)
- Dentist (2)
- Nashua (3)
- diabetes (1)
- sealants (3)
- herbal remedy (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (23)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (7)
- nutrition (5)
- bridge (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (6)
- dental implants (24)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- crown (2)
- fluoride (3)
- social media (1)
- gum disease (13)
- laser dentistry (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- dental injuries (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- Cosmetic Dentist (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- root resorption (1)
- root canal (3)
- TMD (1)
- TMJ (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- smile makeover (3)
- Sugar (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- TADs (1)
- wisdom teeth (8)
- gummy smile (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (5)
- chipped teeth (1)
- Flossing (2)
- orthodontic treatment (22)
- tooth grinding (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- crowns (5)
- oral cancer (4)
- tobacco (1)
- dental crowns (3)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- tooth decay (7)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- Family Dentist (3)
- smoking (3)
- seniors (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- geographic tongue (1)
- bone grafting (3)
- bad breath (2)
- clear aligners (4)
- chipped tooth (4)
- x-rays (3)
- bonding (1)
- headgear (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- adult braces (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- medicine (1)
- bone loss (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- Dental Bonding (1)
- Dental Repair (1)
- teething (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- x-ray (1)
- dental sealants (2)
- toothache (3)
- eating disorder (1)
- retainer (1)
- Family Dentistry (3)
- loose tooth (2)
- lingual braces (2)
- Filling (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- Implants (1)
- Dental Cavity (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- retainers (3)
- Preventive Dentistry (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- Bleeding Gums (1)
- gum recession (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- partial denture (1)
- anxiety (1)

You've just finished your daily brushing and flossing. How did you do? Swiping your tongue across your teeth can generally tell you: It's a good sign if it glides smoothly; but if it feels rough and gritty, you better take another run at it.
This "tongue test," however, only gives you a rough idea of how well you're removing plaque, that thin bacterial film on teeth most responsible for dental disease. Plaque, though, can be sneaky, "hiding" in the nooks and crannies on the biting surfaces of teeth, around the gum line and in between teeth.
So, how do you know if you're clearing out any plaque holdouts? An effective way is to use a plaque disclosing agent. This over-the-counter dental product consists of a swab, tablet or solution, which contains a dye that's reactive to plaque.
After brushing and flossing as usual, you apply the solution to your teeth for about 30 seconds. You then take a look in the mirror: Any remaining plaque will be stained a bright color that makes it stand out. There are also agents with two colors of dye, one that stains older plaque and one for newer plaque.
The plaque staining not only helps you see how well you've been brushing and flossing, it can also show you areas in need of improved hygiene. For example, if you notice a scalloped pattern around the gum line, that may mean your brush isn't getting into that area effectively. In this way, you can use a disclosing agent to fine-tune your hygiene.
Repeated use of a disclosing agent is safe, but just remember the dye color can be vivid. It does wear off in a few hours, though, so perhaps schedule it for a day off around the house. You should also avoid swallowing any solution or getting any of it on clothing.
The ultimate test, though, is a thorough dental cleaning with your dentist at least every six months. They can verify whether you've been fairly successful with your brushing and flossing, or if you have room for improvement. If you do use a disclosing agent, you can also discuss that with them in working out better strategies to protect your teeth from tooth decay and gum disease.
If you would like more information on improving your oral hygiene, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Plaque Disclosing Agents.”