Toothpaste, in general, does protect you from tooth decay – but only if you brush!
Let’s talk about toothpaste and its role in protecting us from tooth decay and explore the nuances of dentifrices (a fancy word that just means a paste or power for cleaning teeth).
By now we’re all aware that brushing and flossing are crucial aspects of your oral health and hopefully we’re all also familiar with the brush twice a day, floss once a day mantra. So how often you’re brushing is the first step towards a healthy smile, right?! But here’s the catch – not all toothpastes are created equal. The type of dentifrice you choose and how you use it can really make an impact. Let’s talk about toothpaste.
Low fluoride toothpastes protect less
When it comes to fluoride concentration, not all toothpaste is the same. Some toothpastes with a low-fluoride content may seem like a budget-friendly option, but beware. These formulas fall short in their duties as anti-plaque and anti-caries agents, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to bacterial assaults. The rule of thumb to ensure your pearly whites are fortified is to opt for a toothpaste with a fluoride concentration of no less than one thousand particles per million (1000 ppm). In addition, these types of dentifrices may also contain multiple chemicals that can irreversibly damage our tooth enamel.
Abrasive ingredients = dynamite for your teeth
A gentle approach is key! Your dental hygiene routine shouldn’t resemble a battleground. Certain abrasive substances commonly found in toothpaste, such as calcium carbonate and silicates, can inadvertently wage war on your enamel – especially if you have aggressive brushing tendencies. While these ingredients are essential for eliminating residue, an excessive concentration of abrasive ingredients can result in detrimental enamel damage.
Hydrogen, a mainstay in whitening toothpaste, should never exceed a concentration of 1.5% to ensure your enamel remains unscathed.
A closer look at toothpaste types
Choosing the right toothpaste goes beyond scanning the store aisle. Here’s a rundown of common types of toothpaste and their benefits:
- Anti-caries: Fortified with fluoride to bolster tooth strength against decay.
- Gingivitis: Your ally when gum inflammation strikes. Look for triclosan, an antiseptic agent.
- Whitening: Armed with peroxide, these tackle teeth staining for a radiant smile.
- Desensitizers: Seal the dentin to shield nerve endings, alleviating pain. For children, remember their toothpaste should have lower fluoride concentrations until age 12.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance
If your toothpaste of choice has the ADA Accepted Seal, it means that toothpaste has met certain criteria, including safety, efficacy, ingredients, labeling and packaging, and scientific evidence, including clinical studies, to support its claims about the product’s benefits.
You can search for products here on the ADA website. There are more than 400 products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance in more than 15 categories.
In the vast sea of toothpaste options and all of the social media trends (like charcoal and oil pulling), understanding what works for you is important for maintaining a healthy smile. Armed with knowledge about fluoride concentration, abrasive ingredients, and different toothpaste types, I hope you feel more equipped to make informed choices.
Remember, every squeeze of toothpaste is a step toward preserving the gateway to your health—your beautiful teeth.