Disclosing tablets

The tablets, sold over the counter in many countries, contain a dye (typically a vegetable dye, such as Phloxine B) that stains the plaque a bright color (typically red or blue).

Colored stains on the teeth indicate areas where plaque remains after brushing, providing feedback to improve brushing technique.

With the most common variety, immature plaque stains red, mature purple, and pathological acidic plaque blue.

Disclosing tablets are commonly used by those undergoing orthodontic treatments to prevent plaque build up in areas which are harder to brush.

[2][3] An example of a dye with a patented use as a "Dental Plaque Disclosing Agent" is erythrosine.