Even if your child is brushing, they may not truly be cleaning their teeth. They could be missing areas of plaque.
Plaque is the sticky film that that covers your teeth. So why is plaque problematic? Plaque contains bacteria, which can release acids following a meal containing sugars. These acids attack tooth enamel. With repeated attacks, your enamel can break down, resulting in cavities.
A plaque disclosing toothpaste or tablet helps to identify areas of your child’s teeth that they’ve missed after brushing. They contain a harmless dye that reacts with the plaque that may remain on areas of the teeth after cleaning. When you see the discolored areas, you can then have them focus on the areas which still need work. Children of course, find their dyed teeth hilarious and think it is fun to then scrub off the colored areas. Use these as a tool to help your child learn where they are missing and show them how to improve their brushing skills long term.
Here are some that we have tried:
Plaque HD toothpaste - An FDA-approved fluoride toothpaste which stains the teeth green where plaque is still present.
Plaque disclosing tablets - An inexpensive alternative to the Plaque HD toothpaste, but perhaps messier, these chewable tablets are readily available at drugstores and even Amazon.
Disclosing mouthwash - such as Listerine Smart Rinse. This product tints food particles and debris so your child can see what has been left behind.
We wish you happy brushing ahead!