Toothpastes not only clean, but also fight against various diseases: caries, hypersensitivity, periodontitis. They also remove discoloration and prevent the formation of tartar. A well-chosen product can prevent many dental problems.
To thoroughly cleanseteeth , the brush alone is enough, but then you should spend 6-8 minutes for this operation. However, when you reach for the toothpaste, you can even cut brushing shorter by half.
This is because the main ingredienttoothpastesare abrasives and polishes (e.g. hydrated silica, aluminum s alts, calcium carbonate) that mechanically remove plaque and tartar(plaque). Their action is supported by foaming agents (detergents) added to toothpastes, because they soften the organic compounds found in the plaque and facilitate their rinsing. In addition, the foam reaches places where the brush does not always reach. As a result, by brushing your teeth with the toothpaste, you can do it not only faster but also more thoroughly.Thanks to the foaming toothpaste, enriched with aromas and flavors, cleaning your teeth is simply more pleasant and leaves a feeling of freshness in the mouth. But more importantly - toothpastes also contain other substances that additionally heal and beautify.
Toothpastes to fight caries
The hard enamel that covers the teeth is designed to protect them. However, bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus) and their metabolic products lower the pH in the mouth below 5.5, which initiates the process of enamel demineralization and facilitates the development of caries. In the fight against this process, the most important role is played by fluorine (or rather its various compounds, e.g. fluorophosphates, amine fluorides). It has the property that during tooth brushing, it builds into the enamel, strengthening its resistance to the attack of damaging acids and cariogenic bacteria, and at the same time inhibits the growth of these bacteria. Studies have shown that by regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, you can rebuild fresh cavities in the enamel before they develop caries. Every day you should use toothpaste containing 1000-1500 ppm of this element (children aged 1-6 years can use toothpaste with a content of approx. 500 ppm and you should be careful not to swallow it).
They are also very helpful in the fight against cariesall substances limiting the deposition of plaque, because it is there that bacteria that are dangerous for enamel develop. Such action is shown, among others, by triclosan and octapinol, which are added to many toothpastes.
ImportantClean but not destroy
Ingredients that rub and polish the surface of the teeth can constitute up to 60 percent. paste weight. It is therefore important that the toothpaste performs its cleaning task well, and at the same time does not damage the teeth. This degree of abrasion and safety in relation to glaze is determined, among others, by RDA (Radioactive Dentin Abrasion) factor. When determining it, the size of the abrasive particles, their hardness and shape (spherical or angular) are taken into account. Most toothpastes on the European market have an RDA of 38-194. The recommended RDA for toothpaste for hypersensitive teeth should be in the range of 30-70, in toothpaste for everyday use 50-80, and in toothpaste for smokers it should be over 100.
Toothpastes that heal hypersensitivity
Receding gumline, which is promoted by, for example, plaque build-up or improper brushing, exposes the necks of the teeth. Since the enamel layer on them is thin and permeable, and underneath it is heavily innervated dentin, cold, sour or sweet foods irritate the nerve endings and cause pain. With such tooth sensitivity, you should use toothpastes containing two important ingredients. First of all, those that interfere with the conduction of pain stimuli and have a temporary relieving effect (e.g. potassium compounds). Secondly, components that seal the mouths of the dentin tubules, thus eliminating the cause of hypersensitivity (e.g. amine fluorides, which have the unique ability to incorporate fluoride into tooth enamel, as well as strontium compounds, calcium s alts or oxalates). Toothpastes intended for hypersensitive teeth should also have the lowest possible level of abrasion - around 30 RDA (see box).
Pastes to prevent periodontitis
The plaque that builds up on the teeth quickly hardens and turns into calculus, which more and more pushes the gums away from the teeth. In this way, the so-called pockets, and bacteria multiply in them, causing gingivitis, damaging the jawbone and mandible, eventually leading to tooth loss. The toothpaste alone cannot cure periodontitis, but it does help to control gingivitis. This is achieved by the addition of, among others herbal oils and extracts with antibacterial, disinfecting and limiting bleeding gums (including chamomile, sage, oak bark, arnica, thyme). Many toothpastes are also supplemented with allantoine (it accelerates healing, regenerates) oraluminum lactate (reduces gum bleeding).
Discoloration removal pastes
In the plaque that accumulates on the teeth, there are also dyes from food - incl. beetroot, red pepper, coffee, tea, red wine. Under their influence, the teeth darken, often unevenly, which looks extremely unsightly. Discoloration can also occur as a result of taking certain medications (e.g. antibiotics or iron-containing drugs), and are also typical of smokers. Toothpastes that restore the natural color of the teeth contain two types of ingredients. Some remove discolorations mechanically, i.e. they simply rub them off (e.g. hydrated silica, which is gentle on enamel), others chemically, i.e. lighten them (e.g. fluoride peroxide or natural bleaches, such as soda or lemon juice). When reaching for these types of products, however, you should always read the information on the packaging, because some toothpastes that remove discoloration can damage the enamel when used for daily dental care.
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