Regular ToothPastes

Regular ToothPaste

Toothpaste is a gel that is used with a toothbrush to clean our teeth and improve oral hygiene. However, many toothpastes may contain certain chemicals that are harmful if ingested, and are not supposed to be swallowed. Nowadays, there are many companies who manufacture toothpastes. People don't consider it's features and after-use results, but are mostly attracted to its color, taste, and appearance. Modern toothpastes have many different minty flavors. People consider it a discovery in the medieval-modern era, but in reality it was developed way back in time.

Toothpaste, also called dentifrice, is essential to your daily oral hygiene routine. Toothpastes are pastes, gels or powders that help remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Toothpaste improves the mechanical brushing and cleaning power of a toothbrush.

Ingredients in Toothpaste
Toothpastes improve oral health, and reduce the formation of dental plaque (bacteria that causes dental diseases). Regular cleaning with toothpaste ensures healthy and strong teeth. But have you ever wondered about the ingredients in toothpaste? Each ingredient in toothpaste has a specific function. Let's take a look.

Toothpaste ingredients are classified as, either active or inactive. Active ingredients are those, that strengthen and protect the teeth from bacteria. They work to improve your dental health. On the other hand, inactive ingredients do not clean your teeth. They are added to keep the texture, and improve the taste of the toothpaste.

Following are the ingredients of a modern toothpaste:

Active Ingredients
1. Fluoride: This is the most important ingredient of a toothpaste. This compound prevents tooth decay, and makes teeth stronger. Fluoride compounds restrict the growth of dental plaque. Today, most toothpaste brands contain sodium fluoride (NaF); however, some brands also use sodium monofluorophosphate to protect teeth from cavities. When it comes to preventing tooth decay, one can certainly rely on fluorides. Bacteria thrive on food particles trapped in the oral cavity after having meals. These microbes secrete some acid that are known to damage teeth. Fluoride safeguards teeth from damaging effects of this acid. If tooth decay in its initial stages, then fluoride in toothpaste can even correct this dental problem. Most importantly, daily use of fluoride toothpaste is crucial to maintain enamel strength. Fluoride makes the enamel powerful enough to successfully thwart any kind of bacterial attack. In the presence of fluoride, the enamel is better equipped to deal with acids released by the bacteria. In layman's terms, with regular use of toothpaste, say goodbye to those enamel problems and keep those pearly whites shining for years to come.

2. Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (Anti-tartar agents): Dental tartar is formed due to deposition of magnesium and calcium on the teeth. Pyrophosphates stop formation of tartar by removing these elements from the saliva. Tartar as we know results from years of deposition of minerals from saliva on the teeth. Initially, a thin coating (plaque) develops on the teeth that hardens and turns black over time, which is nothing but tartar. In order to prevent this hardened dental plaque from occurring, anti-tartar agents are added in the toothpaste.

3. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda): This is an abrasive, and provides a mild teeth whitening action. It neutralizes acidic saliva, thus maintaining an alkaline environment in the mouth, even hours after brushing. An alkaline environment is not favorable for and hampers the formation of dental plaque. It is a natural teeth whitener and hence effective to remove stains. It is an effective teeth cleaning agent and due to its abrasive action it can clear off those brown and yellow stains. While brushing, baking soda infiltrates the tooth's enamel, which helps to reduce the appearance of the stains that are on the surface of the teeth.

4. Triclosan or Xylitol (Antibacterial agents): Triclosan restricts the formation of dental plaque and has the ability to destroy bacteria. Sometimes, zinc citrate or zinc chloride is also used as an antibacterial agent, to control dental plaque. The combination of zinc chloride and triclosan is effective against bacteria and gum disease. The antibacterial ingredient triclosan basically prevents the bacteria from producing a specific enzyme that is required for its existence.

5. Desensitizing Agents (Potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, potassium citrate): Some people experience acute pain, while eating sweet or frozen desserts, such as ice cream. This happens due to tooth sensitivity problems. Toothpastes containing desensitizing agents help to relieve discomfort and pain that accompanies sensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate is added in toothpastes that are formulated for people with sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate for a few weeks works to decrease the tooth sensitivity.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide (Whitening or abrasive agent): It performs the function of polishing and cleaning the teeth. It is used in toothpastes to remove stains on the surface of teeth. It is an excellent teeth whitening agent that can give a distinctive shine to your teeth. Other than making the teeth whiter, hydrogen peroxide is found to destroy bacterial growth in the oral cavity.

Non-active Ingredients
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (Foaming agents): These components of toothpaste promote the foaming action. The foaming action ensures that the toothpaste does not spill out of the mouth, while brushing.

2. Alginate or Xanthan (Binding agents): Binding agents maintain the consistency of toothpaste. It binds all the ingredients in toothpaste together. Hydrocolloids, such as alginate or xanthan, are often used as binding agents.

3. Sodium Benzoate or Ethylparaben (Preservatives): Preservatives play an important role in keeping the toothpaste free from micro-organisms. Sodium benzoate prevents the buildup of micro-organisms in the toothpaste, and is the reason why there is no need to keep toothpastes in refrigerators.

4. Humectant (Water, sorbitol or glycerin): This is also an essential ingredient of toothpaste, as it does not allow the toothpaste to dry up. Humectants hold or retain moisture, so that the paste does not become dry, when not in use. However, when exposed to air (when the toothpaste cap is kept open), its ability to hold moisture reduces drastically.

5. Flavor: Nowadays, a number of flavors are used, to impart a yummy taste to the toothpaste. People experience fresh breath due to these enhanced flavoring agents. Mint is the most popular flavor, that ensures you enjoy brushing your teeth.

6. Sodium Saccharine (Sweetening agent): This ingredient is added to the toothpaste to make it sweet. Toothpaste without a sweetening agent does not taste good. Hence, to make it fit for oral use, sodium saccharine is used.

7. Titanium Dioxide (Coloring agent): Coloring agents give a pleasing color to the toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is commonly used to give toothpaste its white color. Artificial dyes are added to make red, blue and green toothpastes.

Ingredients such as vitamins, herbs, mouthwash, etc., are often added in the formulation of toothpaste, to make it more effective in controlling bad breath and plaque formation. A point to note that although toothpaste ingredients contribute to keep teeth and gums healthy, oral care is incomplete without flossing. So, besides brushing twice a day, make sure to floss your teeth daily and of course don't forget to take a trip to your dentist for professional cleaning once in a year.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste for You and Your Family
With so many types and brands of toothpastes in the market, it can be difficult choosing the right toothpaste for you and your family. So to help reduce this confusion here are some tips to use in choosing the right toothpaste.

1. The toothpaste should carry the ADA seal of approval as it proves the toothpaste contains fluoride and that the paste works efficiently.

2. It is better to avoid toothpastes made in China as some of them contain a toxic substance, diethylene glycol.

3. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride as it not only prevents tooth decay but also strengthens tooth enamel. This is especially important if your drinking water does not contain fluoride.

4. In case of children, choose toothpaste with your child’s favourite flavour or characters on it as it makes brushing fun and thus makes it easier to have them brush their teeth. You can then instil a good sense of dental hygiene in your children from a young age.

5. Always choose toothpaste based on your individual needs. This means that if you have sensitive teeth, use sensitive teeth toothpaste and if you have mild stains or discolorations on your teeth, whitening toothpaste is a better option for you.

6. Fluoride toothpastes help protect your teeth from decay. The combination of sugars and bacteria in your mouth produce an acid that induces tooth enamel erosion and damages the teeth. In case your teeth are already damaged, the fluoride in these toothpastes collect in these areas to strengthen your teeth enamel. However remember that these toothpastes are not recommended for children below 2 years of age.

7. Sensitive teeth are helpful for people with sensitive teeth who experience pain while eating something hot or cold or when pressure is applied. This occurs because their teeth enamel layer is thin or because their gum line recedes to expose more dentine. It is this reduced teeth and gum protection that makes their teeth are more sensitive.

Sensitive toothpastes help by creating numbing tooth sensitivity or by blocking dentine tubules. Repeated use of these toothpastes build a strong barrier to reduce tooth sensitivity.

8. Whitening toothpastes are a popular choice as everyone wants a whiter smile. Though it is relatively safe to use these toothpastes every day, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as its excessive use can damage your tooth enamel with time. However these toothpastes cannot change your teeth’s natural colour or lighten deep teeth stains.

Always look for whitening toothpastes with a brand of seal of approval from a famous dental association which proves the toothpaste effectively removes surface stains. If you would like whiter teeth, it may pay to look at some whitening products.

9. Now you will wonder if you should buy a gel or paste toothpaste. This choice again boils down to your preference as both types have similar ingredients working similarly. Just buy toothpaste you will prefer using on a regular basis.

With so many options and combinations available in the market, you may as well experiment with the different brands, flavors and varieties to find the best toothpaste for you and your family.

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