Honestly, I’m always a little fascinated by how much people notice the difference after a pro cleaning. Even when someone’s using all the fancy brushes, water flossers, and those little rubber tip things at home, there’s just something a hygienist can do that none of us can quite replicate in our bathrooms, right? I mean, I’m all for the gadgets, but sometimes it feels like chasing after that “just left the dentist” feeling is a lost cause.
That said, I totally agree—keeping up with your own cleaning routine between appointments is huge, especially before braces. I’ve seen folks who thought they were doing an okay job, then we’d show them what was hiding behind their molars and… well, let’s just say they were glad they came in. But I’ve also seen people who put in the effort at home and it really does show. Maybe not quite “squeaky clean” like after a cleaning, but definitely makes everything easier when it’s time for those brackets.
Ever tried one of those plaque-disclosing tablets before a cleaning? They’re kind of gross but super revealing...
Ever tried one of those plaque-disclosing tablets before a cleaning? They’re kind of gross but super revealing...
Yeah, I gave those a shot before my last checkup—honestly, I was shocked at what showed up around my gumline. Did you notice if using them actually changed how you brushed after? I felt like it made me way more paranoid about missing spots.
Did you notice if using them actually changed how you brushed after? I felt like it made me way more paranoid about missing spots.
That’s exactly what happened to my kiddo and me when we tried those tablets before her braces consult. I was kind of mortified by the purple stains along her molars—felt like I’d been slacking on supervising, honestly. But it was eye-opening, and in a weird way, kind of helpful.
After that, we made a little routine out of it. Here’s what worked for us (maybe overkill, but it helped ease both our nerves):
1. We’d use the disclosing tablet first, just to see where the “trouble spots” were.
2. Then she’d brush and floss as usual.
3. After rinsing, we’d check again—sometimes there were still faint stains, especially near the gumline or between teeth.
4. That’s when I’d show her how to angle the brush better or use those little interdental brushes.
I totally get feeling paranoid about missing spots. For us, it became more of a challenge—almost like a game to try and get all the color off. It definitely changed how she brushed, especially once she saw that just brushing quickly didn’t cut it.
Funny thing is, when we went for her cleaning before braces, the hygienist noticed less plaque than usual. She even asked if we’d changed something up at home. So in that sense, the tablets were worth the gross factor.
I will say though, sometimes my daughter got frustrated because no matter how hard she tried, there was always a little bit left in the same spots. I had to remind her (and myself) that nobody gets it perfect every single time—especially kids. The main thing is being aware and trying your best.
If you’re feeling paranoid now, maybe that’s not such a bad thing? It means you care enough to pay attention, which is half the battle with dental stuff anyway. We still use them every now and then as a check-in—not every day or anything—but they do help keep us honest about brushing habits.
Anyway, you’re not alone in feeling a bit shocked (or grossed out) by what those tablets reveal... but I think they kind of take some of the mystery out of “am I brushing well enough?” and turn it into something you can actually see and fix.
I totally get feeling paranoid about missing spots. For us, it became more of a challenge—almost like a game to try and get all the color off. It definitely changed how she brushed, especially once she saw that just brushing quickly didn’t cut it.
Honestly, I relate to this more than I expected. The first time I used those tablets, I felt like one of those “before” photos at the dentist—awkward purple streaks everywhere, especially around my back teeth. I always thought I was a pretty thorough brusher, but apparently, my molars would beg to differ.
I ended up turning it into a bit of a self-competition too. Not gonna lie, it was both humbling and kind of fun? There’s something about seeing the proof in color that makes you want to do better next time. I also started paying more attention to my gumline, which I used to rush over.
I do think it’s easy to get stuck on the idea of “perfection,” especially before braces. But like you said, nobody gets it right every single time. At the end of the day, just being aware—and making small improvements—feels like a win. Those tablets are messy, but they definitely made me rethink my routine for the better.
There’s something about seeing the proof in color that makes you want to do better next time.
Totally get that. I kept thinking I was doing fine until those tablets called me out—my back teeth were a disaster zone. It’s weirdly motivating, but I still get anxious about missing spots, especially with braces coming up. Perfection feels impossible, but small wins count.
