All toothpastes aren’t paste -; they can be gels or powders applied to the teeth to remove plaque and improve oral health. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), toothpaste is an important part of Dentistry in Providence RI because it fights against gum disease and plaque buildup. Most toothpastes sold today contain fluoride, which inhibits tooth decay and strengthens enamel.
What’s in Your Toothpaste?
The composition of toothpastes varies slightly depending on the benefits offered by a specific brand (such as reduced inflammation or whitening), but most share a few common ingredients.
* Gentle abrasives such as dehydrated silica gel, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts or calcium carbonate
* Sorbitol, glycerol and other humectants that keep the paste from dehydrating
* Thickeners such as synthetic cellulose, natural gum or seaweed that give the toothpaste a consistent texture and appearance
* Fluoride, which makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay
* Flavoring agents
* Detergents that make the toothpaste foam as it is used
Choosing Toothpaste
There are dozens of toothpastes in any drugstore, and it can be confusing and difficult to find the right one for your needs. When selecting a toothpaste, your first step should be to ensure that the product fulfills its claims. Fluoridated toothpastes are regulated by the FDA because of disease-combating claims, and these products all have a panel on the packaging listing warnings, ingredients and other important information.
Toothpaste Safety
Although fluoridated toothpastes must have a warning label telling parents to call Poison Control if a child ingests a large amount of toothpaste, the ADA believes that the FDA is overstating the risks of fluoride. To be safe, it’s best to limit kids under 5 to a pea sized amount, and to supervise brushing because most children that age haven’t learned to rinse well after brushing.
Finding a Toothpaste for a Specific Need
Regardless of your oral care needs, there’s a toothpaste that meets those needs. If you have sensitivity issues, look for toothpaste that contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. To combat tartar or gingivitis, look for products containing zinc citrate, triclosan or pyrophosphates. There are also toothpastes for whitening and bad breath. dentistry in Providence RI can help you find the right toothpaste for your specific needs.
