Daily care · Self-monitoring
Checking your own mouth
Two simple home checks — for your teeth and your gums.
You don’t have to wait for a check-up to know how you’re doing. Disclosing tablets reveal plaque you’ve missed on your teeth, and interdental brushes let you check your gums for the earliest sign of trouble — bleeding.
Your teeth
Reveal plaque with disclosing tablets
Disclosing tablets stain plaque so you can see the areas you’ve missed — immediate, honest feedback that shows exactly where to focus. They’re cheap, easy, and a great motivator, especially for children.
- See what you miss — the stain highlights plaque your brush left behind.
- Learn your pattern — you’ll spot where plaque builds up for you.
- Stay motivated — visible results encourage better brushing.
- Use them regularly — once a week or month keeps you on track, at very low cost.
Your gums
Check your gums with an interdental brush
Run an interdental brush between your teeth and watch for bleeding or a bad smell. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease — catching it early means you can act before it advances.
- Spot gum disease early — bleeding is the first warning sign.
- Clean where brushes can’t — between the teeth and along the gum line.
- Track your progress — less bleeding over time shows things improving.
- Fresher breath — clearing trapped debris tackles a common cause of bad breath.
Common questions
Self-monitoring — your questions answered
What are disclosing tablets?
Chewable tablets that stain plaque so you can see exactly where your brushing has missed.
How often should I use them?
Once a week or once a month is plenty to keep your technique honest.
Why do my gums bleed when I clean between my teeth?
Bleeding usually means early gum inflammation. Keep cleaning gently and it often settles within a couple of weeks — if not, see your dentist.
Are these checks a substitute for the dentist?
No — they help you keep on top of things between visits. Regular check-ups are still important.
Know how you’re really doing
Two quick home checks keep your teeth and gums on track between visits.