How to choose carefully a toothpaste.
In
addition to 20%–42% water, toothpastes are derived from a variety of
components, the three main ones being abrasives, fluoride, and detergents.
Abrasives :
Abrasives constitute
at least 50% of a typical toothpaste. These insoluble particles are designed to
help remove plaque from the teeth. The removal of plaque and calculus prevents the accumulation of tartar and is
widely claimed to help minimize cavities and periodontal disease, although the
clinical significance of this benefit is debated. Representative abrasives
include particles of aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), various calcium hydrogen phosphates,
various silicas and zeolites, and hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH).
Abrasives, like the
dental polishing agents used in dentists' offices, also cause a small amount of
enamel erosion which is termed "polishing" action. Some brands
contain powdered white mica, which acts as a mild abrasive, and also
adds a cosmetically pleasing glittery shimmer to the paste. The polishing of
teeth removes stains from tooth surfaces, but has not been shown to improve
dental health over and above the effects of the removal of plaque and calculus.
Fluorides :
Fluoride in various forms is the most popular active
ingredient in toothpaste to prevent cavities. Fluoride is present in small
amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources.
The additional fluoride in toothpaste has beneficial effects on the formation
of dental enamel and bones. Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the most common source of
fluoride, but stannous fluoride (SnF2), olaflur (an organic salt of fluoride), and sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F)
are also used. Stannous fluoride has been shown to be more effective than
sodium fluoride in reducing the incidence of dental caries and
controlling gingivitis, but causes somewhat more
surface stains.
The fluoride content is often higher; a
NaF content of 0.312% w/w (1,450 ppm fluoride) is common.
Surfactants :
Many, although not
all, toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or
related surfactants (detergents). SLS is
found in many other personal care products as well, such as shampoo, and is mainly a foaming agent, which enables uniform distribution of
toothpaste, improving its cleansing power.
Humectants:
They are present in paste and gels. Humectants such as glycerol are used
to prevent toothpaste from drying.
Thickeners:
Gums or Gooey in some seaweeds is added as thickening agents used in
toothpaste and gels to maintain its texture.
Detergents:
Sodium lauryl sulfate is added as a detergent to form suds while
brushing.
Flavoring agents:
Flavoring agents such as artificial sweeteners, mint, lemon, or even bubblegum for kids are added to make their taste better.
Anti-Plaque Toothpaste : These
kinds of toothpaste can control the accumulation of plaque on the teeth
surface, helping reduce the effect of bacteria on teeth and their surrounding
tissues, thereby reducing the chances of developing Gum Disease. If Plaque
plaque is allowed to stay on teeth surface it hardens over a period of time and
converted into tarter. Anti-plaque toothpaste contains ingredients such as
Pyrophosphates, Zinc citrate, and triclosan, an antibiotic, and antifungal
agent that assists to kill bacteria.
Toothpaste With Fluoride : Fluoride is the most
important ingredient to look for when selecting a toothpaste. It helps
strengthen the weak areas of the tooth and exposed roots. It is a natural mineral that assists to prevent tooth decay.
Therefore, using fluoride toothpaste can reduce the risk of tooth decay and
enhance the strength of the teeth. Fluoride-containing toothpaste can be
acutely toxic if swallowed in large amounts, but instances are exceedingly rare and
result from prolonged and excessive use of toothpaste. Approximately
15 mg/kg body weight is the acute lethal dose, even though as small amount
as 5 mg/kg may be fatal to some children.
The risk of using fluoride is low enough that the use of full-strength
toothpaste (1350–1500 ppm fluoride) is advised for all ages. However, smaller
volumes are used for young children, for example, a smear of toothpaste until
three years old. A major concern of dental fluorosis is
for children under 12 months ingesting excessive fluoride through toothpaste.
Nausea and vomiting are also problems which might arise with topical fluoride
ingestion.
Desensitizing Toothpaste : If
your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, regular use of desensitizing
toothpaste will reduce the sensitivity of your teeth, as it contains compounds
such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that helps block the dentinal
tubule thus blocks the transmission of sensation from the surface of the teeth
to their nerves, Thus alleviating teeth
sensitivity.
Whitening Toothpaste : Whitening
toothpaste can improve the whiteness of teeth. It contains an increased amount
of abrasives and detergents, In addition to a bleaching agent such as carbamide
peroxides that can remove stains and improve the color of the teeth. But it
cannot change the color of underlying dentine. Teeth whitening toothpaste should be used cautiously
under the professional advice of Cosmetic dentist only.
Many
toothpastes make whitening claims. Some of these toothpastes contain peroxide,
the same ingredient found in tooth bleaching gels. The abrasive in these
toothpastes, not the peroxide, removes the stains. Whitening toothpaste
cannot alter the natural color of teeth or reverse discoloration by penetrating
surface stains or decay. To remove surface stains, whitening toothpaste may
include abrasives to gently polish the teeth or additives such as sodium tripolyphosphate to break down or dissolve stains. When used
twice a day, whitening toothpaste typically takes two to four weeks to make
teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, but
excessive use might damage tooth enamel. Teeth whitening gels represent an alternative. A recent
systematic review in 2017 concluded that nearly all dentifrices that are
specifically formulated for tooth whitening were shown to have a beneficial
effect in reducing extrinsic stains, irrespective of whether or not a chemical
discoloration agent was added. However, the whitening process can
permanently reduce the strength of the teeth, as the process scrapes away a
protective outer layer of enamel.
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