Toothpaste

Toothpastes contain a multitude of ingredients. I will only look at a few of the more pertinent ones:

 

Fluoride.  The majority of toothpastes contain a small amount of fluoride.  If  the toothpaste is used correctly then it can make a difference. It really does work.  Brush twice a day. After breakfast. Brush last thing at night before going to bed. After brushing don’t rinse, eat or drink.  The toothpaste needs to be in contact with your teeth for as long as possible.  Toothpaste is good for teeth but only if it is contact with them. This is especially true last thing at night. Toothpaste on your teeth while you sleep.  Your teeth will love you.

 

There are some toothpastes which contain increased fluoride.  These are for people with a high rate of decay or at high risk of decay.

 

Children’s toothpaste contain lower amounts of fluoride, less foaming agents and less taste.  They should be used until the child is about six years old.

 

Triclosan.  It helps prevent plaque forming.  It helps keep your teeth cleaner for longer.

 

Bleaching toothpastes. These toothpastes contain carbamide peroxide, urea peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. About one in two people will notice a difference in the colour of their teeth when using such toothpastes.  The difference will be very slight and barely noticeable.  This is because the bleaching agent is low in concentration and not in contact with the teeth for long enough.

 

Sensitivity toothpastes. They block the flow of fluid through teeth (remember the Mrs Marsh and her chalk) and  make the teeth less porous. No toothpaste will instantly make all teeth completely insensitive. The best you can hope for is a gradual  and slight reduction  if  used regularly. It is best to alternate between toothpastes that contain different ingredients.

 

Potassium Citrate is present in ‘Colgate Sensitive’

Strontium Chloride is present in ‘Sensodyne’

Strontium Acetate is present in ‘Macleans Sensitive’

Potassium Nitrate is present in ‘Cedel Sensitve’

 

http://www.plaintoothpaste.com/

 

http://www.colgate.com.au/Colgate/AU/Corp/ConsumerInfo/PDF/OralCare_FactsToothpaste.pdf