Which Toothpaste Is Right for You?
Toothpaste is a gel or paste that is used in conjunction with a toothbrush to help clean and maintain the health of our teeth and gums. Most toothpastes contain a number of important components that help with the preservation of gums and teeth.
These include:
- Fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and remineralize tooth structure that has been broken down due to dental decay
- Triclosan to destroy bacteria in order to promote healthy gums
- Abrasives to remove surface stains and debris on the tooth surface
- Flavouring agents to provide a pleasant taste such as sweeteners
- Detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate that give the toothpaste a foaming action while you brush
Some toothpastes contain extra ingredients that provide additional benefits beyond those described above.
These include:
- Potassium nitrate desensitizes the nerves of teeth thereby providing relief of pain caused by sensitive teeth
- Pro-Argin TM also reduces tooth sensitivity, however it works by blocking the channels on the tooth surface that lead to the nerve of the tooth
With the myriad of toothpaste brands and types, it can be a daunting task to determine which toothpaste is appropriate for you. When choosing a toothpaste, one should consider the contents of that toothpaste and determine if the benefits are in line with your oral health goals. For instance, if you suffer from gingivitis and halitosis (also known as bad breath), you may want to consider using a toothpaste that contains triclosan. If sensitivity with cold foods is a concern, you may want to use a toothpaste with desensitizing agents.
It is also important to keep in mind the potential risks with using some toothpastes, as some contain agents that may have a negative effect on your teeth. This is especially true with whitening toothpastes. Many whitening toothpastes contain highly abrasive agents that function to scrub surface stains left by food, thereby making teeth more white. If used excessively, these same abrasive agents can scrub away the enamel on teeth, making these teeth more sensitive to hot and cold and potentially more susceptible to dental decay.
So the next time you are shopping for a new tube of toothpaste, remember that not all toothpaste is created equal. Think about what you want and need for your oral health and then consider which toothpaste can help you accomplish your goals.
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