How To Select Best Toothpaste For Your Teeth
There are different types of toothpaste available in the market and hence, it may be confusing to choose the right one. These types of toothpaste can strengthen enamel, prevent tooth decay, strengthen gums, and whitens teeth. The selection of appropriate toothpaste depends upon the specific need of person & toothpaste ingredient
Table of Contents
Basic Ingredients Of Toothpaste
Toothpaste is generally available in paste, gel, or powder form in India. Despite several kinds of toothpaste available in the market most of them have the same basic composition. Which includes:
Abrasives:
Starchy components such as calcium carbonates and silicates are used to remove debris, plaque, biofilms, and stains from the teeth surface. The proportion of abrasives are more in powder & in some whitening toothpaste. Regular use of these products can even lead to erosion of enamel
Humectants:
They are present in paste and gels. Humectants such as glycerol are used to prevent toothpaste from drying.
Thickeners:
Gums or Gooey in some seaweeds is added as thickening agents used in toothpaste and gels to maintain its texture.
Detergents:
Sodium lauryl sulfate is added as a detergent to form suds while brushing.
Flavoring agents:
Flavoring agents such as artificial sweeteners, mint, lemon, or even bubblegum for kids are added to make their taste better.
Anti-Plaque Toothpaste
These kinds of toothpaste can control the accumulation of plaque on the teeth surface, helping reduce the effect of bacteria on teeth and their surrounding tissues, thereby reducing the chances of developing Gum Disease.
If Plaque plaque is allowed to stay on teeth surface it hardens over a period of time and converted into tarter. Anti-plaque toothpaste contains ingredients such as Pyrophosphates, Zinc citrate, and triclosan, an antibiotic, and antifungal agent that assists to kill bacteria.
Toothpaste With Fluoride
Fluoride is the most important ingredient to look for when selecting a toothpaste. It helps strengthen the weak areas of the tooth and exposed roots.
It is a natural mineral that assists to prevent tooth decay. Therefore, using fluoride toothpaste can reduce the risk of tooth decay and enhance the strength of the teeth.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, regular use of desensitizing toothpaste will reduce the sensitivity of your teeth, as it contains compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that helps block the dentinal tubule thus blocks the transmission of sensation from the surface of the teeth to their nerves, Thus alleviating teeth sensitivity.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can improve the whiteness of teeth. It contains an increased amount of abrasives and detergents, In addition to a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxides that can remove stains and improve the color of the teeth. But it cannot change the color of underlying dentine.
Teeth whitening toothpaste should be used cautiously under the professional advice of Cosmetic dentist only.
Natural Toothpaste
For those who are comfortable with using toothpaste containing chemicals, natural toothpaste can be a better option. this type of toothpaste is made from herbal extracts and other natural ingredients. the health claims of this type of toothpaste have not been clinically proven.
However, people who are allergic to chemicals containing toothpaste are increasingly using natural toothpaste.
Toothpaste For Kids
This type of toothpaste typically contains less amount of fluoride or no fluoride at all. toothpaste for kids also contains fewer abrasive as their teeth contain much less mineral content than those od adults. Additionally, Children’s toothpaste contains flavors to make the love toothbrushing.
Smokers Toothpaste
This type of toothpaste is specifically formulated for those who use tobacco. The teeth of smokers may become easily stained as a result of repeated drawing of tobacco smoke into their mouth. Gradually, their teeth may become tainted with yellowish-brown patches.
Toothpaste for smokers contains strong abrasive that assist to remove stains from teeth and refreshes the breath.
Conclusion
Fluoride is the most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste for adults. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid whitening toothpaste. Make sure that the toothpaste you buy caters to your specific needs; for example, if you have sensitive teeth, buy one that alleviates tooth sensitivity.
Consult your dentist for advice for choosing the best toothpaste for you
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