Toothpaste also called as dentifrice. Toothpaste plays a major role in the brushing. Toothpaste selection is also as important as toothbrush selection. it removes the plaque, film of bacteria that form on the teeth anu gums.it improves the mechanical brushing and cleaning power of toothbrush.
Toothpaste Ingredients( composition):-
The ingredients in the toothpaste are abrasives, fluorides, surfactants, humectants, flavoring agents, preservatives
Abrasives:-These insoluble particles remove plaque from the teeth.it is a major component in the toothpaste. The abrasives used in the toothpaste are
- Aluminium hydroxide
- Calcium carbonate
- Calcium hydrogen phosphates
- Silicas
- Zeolites
Fluorides in Toothpaste :-various forms of fluorides are used. Fluoride is an active ingredient to prevent caries or cavities. Small amount of fluoride present in plants, animals and natural water sources. The additional fluoride in the toothpaste has beneficial effect on the formation of enamel and bones. Various forms of fluorides are
- Sodium fluoride-most commonly used
- Stannous fluoride
- Sodium monofluorophosphate
Surfactants:-these are foaming agents which enables uniform distribution of toothpaste, improving its cleaning power.surfactants used in the toothpaste are
- Sodium lauryl sulphate
- Sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate
Humectants:- humectants are used to prevent water loss in the toothpaste. Humectants used in the toothpaste are
- Glycerol
- Propylene
- Sorbitol
- Glycol
Flavoring agents:-saccharin and other sweeteners are used to provide taste. These agents do not provide tooth decay
Binders/thickening agents:-these are used to stabilize the toothpaste formula. Commonly used binders are
- Mineral colloids
- Natural gums
- Synthetic gums
- Seaweed colloids
Coloring agents:-these agents give color to the toothpaste.
Preservatives:-Alcohols, Benzoates, Formaldehyde are added to prevent bacterial growth on the organic binders and humectants.
Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth:-
Desensitizing toothpastes usually contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. Calcium based desensitizing toothpastes are also available.
Potassium nitrate toothpaste:- High concentration of potassium ions depolarize the nerve endings in the pores of the exposed dentin, and block the transmission of pain signals from the surface of the teeth to the nerve inside.
Calcium based desensitizing toothpaste:- These toothpastes give more immediate relief. Protect the nerve endings by plugging open pores in exposed dentin with calcium phosphate.it can be rubbed on with your finger on the sensitive tooth.
If you are using desensitizing toothpaste then do not rinse after brushing for at least 30 minutes. By spitting thoroughly instead of rinsing with water, you will allow the thin coating of toothpaste remaining on your teeth to provide relief
Best Toothpaste for Gum Health:
Healthy gums are necessary for the good oral hygiene so don’t ignore the gum problems. If gum problems are left untreated it leas lo severe periodontitis which results in tooth loss. Gum bleeding is one of the common oral health issue. Stannous complex containing toothpaste gives highest level of protection against the plaque bacteria that can cause gum problems. Regular use of these toothpastes can prevent gum problems in 4 weeks. A powerful stannous containing toothpaste can prevent gum problems and eliminate plaque at the gum-line and inhibits bacteria which causes gum problems.Minor bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gum problem so, if you observe any bleeding from gums consult dentist for the treatment and the dentist can suggest best toothpaste for your gum health. Triclosan containing toothpaste has been shown to offer a clinically useful improvement in gum health.
Anti Calculus Toothpaste:
Pyrophosphate containing toothpastes inhibit the mineralization of dental plaque and hence the buildup of tartar. Tartar is a hard yellowish material that must be scraped away with metal tools. Anti tartar toothpaste will helpful in slowing new build up on the teeth. This toothpaste can not remove the existing tartar. A professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove existing tartar. Brushing with regular toothpastes removes the acid deposits and food particles, but tartar will remain on the teeth. Sodium pyrophosphate is the active ingredient in the anti calculus toothpaste. Some people may experience more tooth sensitivity after using this product, since the enamel layer becomes a little thinner overtime. Others may develop canker sores due to the higher sodium content. Those who are prone to canker sore formation might want to avoid toothpaste with high levels of sodium based compounds
Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste:
These do not typically contain bleaches, instead, they contain relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect. Whitening toothpaste can whiten teeth slightly by removing surface stains. Whitening toothpaste can also be used after bleaching to help maintain results. When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can taken from 2 to 6 weeks to make teeth appear whiter.
so many people are concerned about the color of their teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatment is costlier so most of the people depends on whitening toothpaste to get white teeth. Whitening toothpaste cannot remove the internal stains or greyish stains of teeth. Excessive use of these toothpastes can damage your teeth enamel over time. If you want to use whitening toothpaste, then look for a brand that has a seal of approval from a reputable dental organization such as American Dental Association seal of acceptance. This seal indicates that the toothpaste is efficient at removing surface stains. It is better to consult a dentist for professional whitening treatment than wasting money on number of toothpaste tubes.
Ayurveda or Herbal Toothpaste:
Herbal toothpaste does not contain dyes or artificial flavoring agents.Commonly used ingredients in the herbal toothpaste are neem, clove, turmeric, pudin, pippali, peelu and maju phal.neem toothpaste and mouthwash can cure the gum problems.mint oils are actually the most effective ingredient to kill germs in the mouth.turmeric and cloves provide great protection and remove bacteria.pudin and pippali refresh the gums.
Tips to Select the Best Toothpaste:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities
- Children may use children toothpaste which contains a lower fluoride concentration, and parents should have close supervision while brushing.
- When your teeth feel sensitive, you should consult a dentist to find out the cause. Take the dentist opinion about the use of desensitizing toothpaste
- Take dentist opinion before using whitening toothpaste.
- Herbal toothpastes are also available for those who don’t want to use artificial ones
Quantity of Toothpaste for Brushing
Simply squeeze a pea sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush. Children under 6 years, however, should only be given a very small baby pea sized dab of toothpaste on their toothbrush.
Tooth Powder:
It is mildly abrasive powder and is an alternative to toothpaste. Fluoride and non- fluoride tooth powders are available. Commonly used ingredients in the tooth powder are bentonite, baking soda, clove powder, peppermint leaves, tea tree extracts. To use the powder, measure out a small amount, dip a wet toothbrush into it, and brush teeth thoroughly. it is inexpensive when compared to toothpaste.
