Toothpastes have variety of ingredients but generally it narrows to the following types:
1. Fluoride Containing. Generally almost all toothpaste in the market contains fluoride. The ingredient of fluoride help prevent cavity and strengthens enamel. Generally there are two main types of fluoride molecules within the toothpaste: stannous fluoride or sodium fluoride. Some advocates stannous fluoride over sodium fluoride for its increased anti-bacteria properties.
2. Desensitizing Agent. Some special toothpaste markets as desensitizing toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth. It contains active ingredients such as potassium nitrate which helps penetrate through the enamel and calms the nerve.
3. Anti-gingivitis. If you know you have reddish gum, then you might have gingivitis, which is a mild localized inflammation of the gum tissue around your teeth. This toothpaste ingredient help to minimize the amount of gingivitis-causing bacteria within your gum and help your gum to heal.
4. Tartar control. If the toothpaste contains this type of ingredient, then it can help to slow down the buildup of plaque around your teeth. The plaque will become hardened over time if not removed immediately. This hardening process is called calcification in which the calcium from saliva will accumulate into the food plaque and hardens it over time. The ingredient of the toothpaste help slow down this calcification process and help you to remove them with brushing.
5. Whitening. Toothpaste may help to remove the surface staining caused by the coffee and other food. But intrinsic staining requires other dental cosmetic procedures to properly address.
In addition to the above type of ingredients, some toothpaste might be advertised to have natural ingredients such as golgi and other herbs but keep in mind that the effectiveness of these natural ingredients are not readily proven in research studies.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Genral Dental Office in Tempe AZ — White Tooth-Colored Fillings, Porcelain Crowns, Veneers, Inlays, Onlays
Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona. Practicing General Dentist
