Dental device for older mouths

Scientists from the University of Liverpool in the UK have developed a new dental product to identify build-ups of plaque in the mouth, before they become visible to the human eye.

The ‘Inspektor TC’ product is especially aimed at older people, who are vulnerable to dental disease.

The toothbrush-sized device features a blue light which, when shone in the mouth and viewed through yellow lenses containing a red filter, detects plaque as a red glow.

The disclosing tablets that dentists currently use to detect tooth decay can stain the mouth and taste unpleasant.

“It is extremely difficult to get rid of all plaque in the mouth,” said Professor Sue Higham, from the University of Liverpool’s School of Dental Sciences.

“Left undisturbed it becomes what we call ‘mature’ plaque and gets thicker. This is what leads to gingivitis, or bleeding gums, and decay.

“Early stage plaque is invisible, and so this device will show people the parts of the mouth that they are neglecting when they brush their teeth, enabling them to remove plaque before it becomes a problem.”