One of my favorite things right now: TriPlaqueID

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, presents TriPlaqueID from GC America, a disclosing agent that makes quick work of identifying types of dental plaque.
Sept. 14, 2020
3 min read
Image courtesy of Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD.
Figure 1: Apply TriPlaque ID to all tooth surfaces and rinse. Using an OptraGate (Ivoclar Vivadent) will help to retract the patient’s lips and provide better visualization for the dental hygienist or dentist.
Figure 1: Apply TriPlaque ID to all tooth surfaces and rinse. Using an OptraGate (Ivoclar Vivadent) will help to retract the patient’s lips and provide better visualization for the dental hygienist or dentist.

It is increasingly evident that the connection between oral health and general health is profound. We educate our patients to keep their mouths healthy so they can have healthy teeth, gingiva, and pleasant breath, but also to minimize risk for systemic disease.

We tend to be pressed for time during the day, so it is common to identify clinical indicators that demonstrate the presence of disease. It may seem time
Figure 2: After rinsing TriPlaque ID, identify the type of plaque present. This image shows purple and pink plaque, indicating that improved interdental plaque removal is needed.
Figure 2: After rinsing TriPlaque ID, identify the type of plaque present. This image shows purple and pink plaque, indicating that improved interdental plaque removal is needed.
consuming and complicated to provide clinical risk assessments prior to the presence of disease. TriPlaque ID is a disclosing agent that can help the clinician to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of a patient’s biofilm. It is easily applied with a microbrush. The disclosing agent is a deep purple color (figure 1) and once it is rinsed from the teeth, this disclosing agent has the capability of identifing three types of dental plaque (figures 2 and 3): Dark purple plaque: this biofilm has been present on the teeth for 48
Figure 3: The presence of light blue plaque indicates a biofilm with a pH of 4.5 or less. This is important information for the dental professional for caries risk assessment and to prompt the recommendation of products that will encourage a neutral or slightly basic oral pH.
Figure 3: The presence of light blue plaque indicates a biofilm with a pH of 4.5 or less. This is important information for the dental professional for caries risk assessment and to prompt the recommendation of products that will encourage a neutral or slightly basic oral pH.
hours or more
  • Bright pink plaque: this plaque has been present on the teeth for less than 48 hours
  • Blue plaque: acidogenic plaque; this biofilm has a pH of 4.5 or less

    • In addition to helping identify the characteristics of the biofilm present in a patient’s mouth, disclosing can provide effective patient education. Patients can recognize which areas of the mouth require more attention and work toward better at-home oral hygiene practices. Moreover, disclosing can aid the clinician when removing biofilm with subgingival air polishing. 

    TriPlaque ID is a simple and efficient tool to aid the clinician in providing an accurate risk assessment, thorough biofilm management, and relevant patient education.

    Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles at this link and subscribe here.

    Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics.        

    About the Author

    Pamela Maragliano, DMD

    Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

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