TOOTH PASTE

Tooth paste or dentifrice is a paste or gel that is used to clean the teeth. Toothpastes promote good oral hygiene by removing the dental plaque and food from the teeth. They also help fight the halitosis or bad breath and delivers active ingredients like fluoride that strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay. The abrasive ingredients in the toothpaste help in removing the stains on the teeth. They also polish the teeth.

Let us see what exactly is the toothpaste made of and how they prove good for our oral health: 

Fluorides are the active ingredients in the toothpaste that fight decay and strengthen the teeth by forming the dental enamel. It also strengthens the bones. Sodium fluoride is the most common fluoride used in toothpastes

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Abrasives form the bulk of the toothpaste. They remove the stains and food particles on the teeth and polish the teeth.

Surfactants or detergents help clean the teeth by providing the foam that helps carry away the food debris. Sodium lauryl sulfate compounds are generally used as surfactants that have anti-bacterial properties that can penetrate and dissolve the plaque.

Antibacterial agents like triclosan prevent gingivitis and helps reduce tartar and bad breath.

Sweeteners like sodium saccharin are also added for taste.

Humectants prevent drying up of the toothpaste and prolongs its usability.

Now our concern is to choose the suitable toothpaste for our teeth, well there are different kinds of toothpastes available in the market for various dental problems.

 Let us see various kinds of toothpastes available for various dental problems:

Desensitizing toothpastes are for those who suffer from tooth sensitivity. The active ingredients are potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. They prevent the sensitivity by desensitizing the tooth nerves and blocking the dentin layer of the tooth.

Anti-caries toothpastes that contain fluorides that stop the decalcification of enamel thus preventing tooth decay.

Gingivitis preventing toothpastes that contain additional anti-bacterial agents that fight the growth of bacteria.

Teeth whitening pastes have higher abrasion values than normal toothpastes or contain special ingredients like sodium carbonate peroxide that bleaches the teeth and kills germs.

Tartar control toothpastes contain sodium pyrophosphate as the main ingredient which prevents the formation of tartar.

Kid toothpastes contain pleasant flavors and colors with lower concentration of fluoride (500-1000ppm).

Besides choosing the right toothpaste, it is very important to choose the right toothbrush and follow the right brushing techniques for healthy and strong teeth.

Besides choosing the right toothpaste, it is very important to choose the right toothbrush and follow the right brushing techniques for healthy and strong teeth.