Your oral hygiene routine should start with choosing the right toothpaste. They are formulated based on specific oral needs including teeth sensitivity, bad breath, or dental cavities. It contains a mixture of ingredients like abrasives, flavouring agents, preservatives, desensitising agents, whitening agents, herbal extracts, and detergents.
Fluoride-based toothpaste
Bacteria present in our mouth produce acid on coming in contact with sugary foods and cause tooth decay. “The fluorides present in the toothpastes protect the teeth from damage and cavities,” says Dr Ragavinodhini S, a dentist from Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.
In addition, the fluoride present in mouthwash and tap water helps to maintain the structure of enamel.
A study published in 2021 by the Journal of dentistry states that brushing with toothpaste containing stannous fluoride twice daily aids in preventing enamel loss and reducing teeth sensitivity.
Charcoal and salt-based toothpaste
According to a study published in 2017 in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, toothpastes with RDA value (relative dentin abrasivity – a scale that measures abrasiveness) over 100 is considered as highly abrasive and may damage the teeth.
Charcoal and salt are abrasive agents (rough substances used to clean the hard surface). Long-term use of these substances wears away the enamel, exposes the underlying layers of the teeth, makes the teeth yellow, and causes sensitivity, say experts.
Whitening toothpastes
They aid in the removal of stains caused by food colourants, tea, and coffee. “Whitening paste removes the external stains over the tooth surface but does not change the natural tooth colour,” says Dr Abirami S, a dentist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Some of the whitening toothpastes may contain bicarbonate of soda that helps to whiten the teeth.
Anti-sensitivity toothpastes
Sensitivity is a sharp pain in the nerve endings of the teeth. It is usually triggered when one consumes hot or cold food or drinks. Anti-sensitivity pastes contain potassium nitrate that desensitises the nerves, thus relieving the sensitivity. “Individuals with sensitive teeth should apply anti-sensitivity pastes and wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then brush it,” says Dr Abirami.
Freshening toothpastes
Herbal pastes contain extracts like mint, clove, miswak, cinnamon, neem, eucalyptus, tulsi, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, and honey. They give a refreshing flavour and help to overcome bad breath temporarily, say experts.
“The causes of bad breath include deposits on the tooth (plaque), dental caries, smoking, diabetes, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the tonsils, and gum inflammation,” says Dr Ragavinodhini. However, management of underlying causes aid in overcoming bad breath completely. For effective results, one should go for professional teeth cleaning along with brushing.
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Other ingredients
According to the American Dental Association, detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) act as a foaming agent. Another ingredient that keeps the moisture intact in toothpastes are humectants like glycerol.
Dr Abirami suggests the following points to consider when picking a toothpaste
- For toddlers (below three), use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste
- A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient and beneficial for children above three and all adults
- While brushing, parents should supervise children below six to avoid swallowing toothpaste
- Avoid gargling with mouthwash for 20 to 30 minutes after brushing as it may interfere with the beneficial effects of toothpaste
- Avoid choosing toothpaste with SLS if you are allergic
- Use age-specific toothpaste meant, especially for children and adults
- People wearing dentures should avoid choosing toothpaste with abrasives as it may damage the dentures
- Get expert advice when choosing toothpaste. In addition, the dentist can provide personalised recommendations based on the individual’s oral health.
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