You are never fully dressed without a beautiful white smile. That is why taking good care of your appearance is necessary.
Says Kimberly A. Harms, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).
In terms of protecting your teeth, you should consider many factors. Because of a variety of products, you may not often stop thinking about your toothbrush and toothpaste. Let's look at the typical ingredients of every toothpaste then check some tips for choosing the right one.
Toothpaste's ingredients and their effects
Fluoride
Fluoride is a primary mineral which protects our teeth against bacteria growing in our mouth and strengthens the enamel. This mechanism prevents tooth decay as well as preventing any cavities from forming. Fluoride does not only exist in toothpaste but also in foods and drinks. Since brushing our teeth isn't always enough for observing our oral hygiene, we have to make sure that the toothpaste contains Fluoride. To do so, we can check the list of components for sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or stannous Fluoride. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes these three indicated forms of Fluoride for cavity prevention. Most kinds of toothpaste contain only 0.15% fluoride ion or 1500 parts per million.
says Caryn Loftis-Solie, RDH, president of the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA).
Glycerol
Glycerol, glycerin, or glycerine is another essential compound. The main reasons for using this ingredient are keeping toothpaste from drying out, giving it a consistent texture, and helping it glide smoothly from the tube. There is no specific percentage for glycerol, and each brand has its formula, which explains why some toothpaste feels dryer than others.
Sorbitol
A pleasant taste is one of the most important parameters for every toothpaste since using some ingredients as sweetening agents may cause cavities. For addressing the mentioned issues, producers use Sorbitol. It is an excellent option for a sugar substitute, specially for people who have diabetes.
Sorbitol also helps to create a texture so that toothpaste isn't completely runny and can get in-between teeth to remove any cavities and stains from teeth.
Calcium carbonate
For removing plaque, debris, and surface stains, every toothpaste should contain abrasives which clean the surface of the teeth combined with the toothbrush movements.
Also, the existence of other types of abrasives, such as dehydrated silica gels, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts, and silicates, can help this process. But you need to ensure that the compound is gentle enough to prevent damage to your enamel.
Sodium lauryl Sulfate
While this component is used as a detergent for creating bubbly foams, Sulfate can lead to mouth irritation and canker sores. In some cases, because of the indicated issues, it is better to use SLS-free alternative.
Tips for choosing the best toothpaste
Cavity protection is all about Fluoride
The most important function of toothpaste is strengthening the tooth enamel to increase its resistance against bacteria. As mentioned above, Fluoride is the main ingredient for the protection of your teeth from cavity. Although people in charge of health organization in all around the world have decided to add Fluoride to water supply since the 1940s, you should look for toothpaste with proper Fluoride since it is not enough for addressing the destructive impacts of bacteria on teeth such as microscopic holes in the enamel and gum disease. It is important to know that too much Fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis.
Gum health
Protection of your gums is an essential factor in oral hygiene. You can find a wide range of products in the market which can manage dental plaque and decline the chances of diseases. If you've recently suffered from sore gums or any blood when brushing your teeth, you have to use toothpaste that ensures your gum's health.
Mouth health
Since oral health is as important as bacteria eradication, the ingredients should be considered. Triclosan, a beneficial anti-gingivitis component, was used in some brands till FDA decided to ban it in 2017. Long term usage of Triclosan can affect bacterial resistance and thyroid damage.
Dr. Louis Siegelman, a clinical assistant professor at NYU College of Dentistry, says,
Notice the seal of approval
On the side of your toothpaste, you may see the little logo that says, "ADA Accepted." This seal, put by the American Dental Association, verifies that the toothpaste is safe to use. The FDA sets the standards for manufacturers in terms of product ingredients and claims.
Having this seal is not a must since all anti-cavity toothpaste should meet FDA standards for safety and efficacy.
says Dr. Samantha Sacchetti of Village Dental in Kenilworth, IL.
Age factor
The age of the consumer is another essential factor.
However, benefits should be considered when you want to choose the best option for yourself. For instance, if you want your teeth whiter, whitening toothpaste could be a great option. In the case of sensitive teeth, choosing the suitable toothpaste is a great idea.
Sensitive teeth
Some people suffer from pain when they consume cold/hot food or drinks. This happening can be a sign of having sensitive teeth. Some individuals believe that this pain is incurable and there is no choice except tolerating it. If you have this problem when eating ice-cream or drinking hot coffee, it is better to use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth specifically.
Whitening function
In order to have a beautiful smile, you should address Tartar Buildup or dental calculus, a yellow or brown colored deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. You can do so by using whitening toothpaste. However, experts don't recommend using whitening toothpaste every day, as they can damage the delicate enamel on your teeth.
Are you a fan of organic products?
Surprisingly, you can easily find both organic and inorganic toothpaste in the market. But a big question is raised, who is this suitable for?
For answering this question, you should consider two points: the ingredients specially Fluoride which is very important for the prevention of tooth decay, and the FDA approval.
Brushing experience
After stating some hygienic points, one big question remains: how does it feel to use this toothpaste for brushing?
Since many experts suggest brushing at least twice daily for two minutes per ADA guidelines, the harsh taste of some toothpaste can be annoying. So we should pay close attention to the taste, feel, foam, and how clean our mouths felt afterward.
Lastly, even though it is important to choose your toothpaste wisely, do not forget to change your daily habits to get a bright, healthy smile. Visit your dentist frequently because tooth brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is most effective with regular checkups and cleanings. Note that how you brush is more significant than what you brush with.
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