Toothpastes

Since the 1940s, toothpastes have replaced baking soda as the dentifrices of choice because toothpastes were more effective and pleasing in taste. Mid 20th century saw the addition of fluoride to the toothpaste to fight against the tooth decay. Until about 1985, all toothpastes were basically the same and consisted of 4 ingredients: fluoride, an abrasive, a flavoring and a foam. Toothpastes now are formulated to eliminate decay, reduce tartar, freshen breath, whiten teeth, circumvent allergies, eliminate tooth sensitivity and minimize ulcers. They come in pastes, gels, drops and powders and in every flavor and color possible.

Toothpastes contains fluoride in varying concentrations and compounds. The advantage of each type of  fluoride compound have been studied but none of them have been to be ideal. The market now-a-days is driven by ‘plaque preventing’ or ‘plaque inhibiting’ toothpastes. Such toothpaste help in reducing tartar and reducing calculus buildup between your dentist appointments. These serve the best purpose, when used in conjunction with your scheduled visits to a dentist to have them cleaned. The doctors and dental authorities are concerned that such toothpaste may give the patients a false impression about the prevention of plaque. Also,  these toothpastes may prevent the early warning signs of the periodontal disease like swollen gingivia and bleeding and in-turn may prevent or delay a dental evaluation . Also , after using anti-tartar paste for a long time may result in a tooth sensitivity. Some patients may be sensitive to sodium pyrophosphate or potassium nitrate or sodium citrate or strontium chloride, ingredients usually found in the dentifrices. If you been cleaning your teeth daily and the tooth sensitivity continues to persist, it should be brought into the notice the dentist. It could be sign of a tooth decay, which may require an extraction or root canal treatment.

The foaming agent in many toothpastes, which creates a perception of effective cleaning is sodium lauryl sulfate. Some toothpaste contain essential oils to reduce odors. Oxidants such as peroxides neutralize the noxious odors. Chlorine dioxide found in some toothpastes is considered the most powerful oxidant present today and also helps improve gingival health. Abrasion mechanically removes extrinsic strains to create whiter teeth. 50% of the average toothpaste is composed of abrasives. Though too much abrasion though can result in tooth sensitivity. The market is now flooded with several products, which claim to whiten teeth and remove stains without abrasion.

Any toothpaste which you should consider buying  should have the ADA seal. This is the only way to be sure that the toothpaste has been tested for effiacy and safety ; and also all the manufacturer’s claim are true.