Toothpaste: what is it used for, how does it work and types
Oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy and radiant smile. One of the key ingredients for maintaining proper oral hygiene is the correct use and choice of toothpaste. We all know what toothpaste is, but few of us know what we need to consider when buying toothpaste.
In this article, we will explore what toothpaste is, what it is used for, how it works, what is in it, the different types available and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is toothpaste and what is it used for?
Toothpaste is an oral hygiene product designed to clean and protect teeth and gums.
If you're wondering what it's used for, toothpaste is essential for preventing plaque build-up, the removal of food debris and fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
How does toothpaste work?
But, how does toothpaste work? It’s a mystery for many, but we’re here to explain.
Toothpaste acts as a toothbrush enhancer, increasing its effectiveness with abrasives that help to remove plaque and polish the tooth’s surface without damaging the enamel, and by creating a foam that helps the active ingredients reach all areas of the mouth.
Additionally, the active ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and strengthen the enamel of the teeth (with fluoride) and reduce bacteria.
Cleaning teeth for at least two minutes is essential to allow time for the toothpaste to work. The abrasives work on breaking down plaque, the enamel absorbs fluoride and the antibacterial ingredients attack any harmful bacteria.
What toothpaste is made from: the ingredients found within it
Many people ask themselves, “what is toothpaste made from?”. What is found within toothpaste can vary depending on the brand and type you choose, but the most common ingredients include fluoride, mild abrasives, foaming agents, non-drying agents, flavourings and preservatives. These ingredients work together to clean, protect and refresh the mouth.
Types of toothpaste
Depending on what the toothpaste is made from and what it is used for, there are different types of toothpaste. We explain the different types of toothpaste so that you can choose the right one for you:
Toothpaste for kids
These kinds of toothpaste are specifically designed for baby teeth that are still forming. Toothpaste for kids is designed with appealing flavours, less abrasive ingredients and a lower concentration of fluoride. These toothpastes make brushing a bit more pleasant and effective for little ones.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is formulated to remove surface stains and restore the natural shine to teeth. You should be careful not to use too much of this type of toothpaste, as they often contain abrasives that can wear down tooth enamel. If you are looking for whiter teeth, professional teeth whitening will always be more effective, and whitening toothpaste can help you maintain the results.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth works by creating a protective barrier that shields teeth from the elements that cause sensitivity. These toothpastes are perfect for those who experience tooth sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, or pressure.
Anti-stain toothpaste: is it effective in removing existing stains?
Anti-stain toothpaste is specifically designed to prevent the formation of stains on teeth caused by coffee, tea, red wine and other pigmented foods and drinks, but it is not effective in removing existing stains. The difference between whitening toothpaste and anti-stain toothpaste is that whitening toothpaste is adept in removing stains, while anti-stain toothpaste prevents them. Therefore, anti-stain toothpaste is a step before whitening toothpaste, because by preventing stains, you can avoid using whitening toothpaste, which is more abrasive.
Plaque removal toothpaste
Formulated with high concentrations of fluoride and antibacterial ingredients to prevent caries and plaque forming, toothpaste for plaque removal is one of the most common on the market.
Toothpaste for tartar removal
Toothpaste for tartar removal is formulated to prevent tartar build-up on the teeth and gums. These types of toothpaste contain active ingredients, such as stannous fluoride and tetrasodium pyrophosphate, which help dissolve and prevent the formation of plaque and tartar on teeth.
Toothpaste for gum problems and gum disease
If you're wondering which toothpaste is best for gum disease or other gum-related problems, here we’ll outline some of the common ingredients so that you can know which toothpaste you need for your gums. Designed to help prevent and treat gum disease, these toothpastes contain ingredients such as panthenol which can help reduce inflammation and promote gum health. However, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a medical professional before using this type of toothpaste.
Best toothpaste for periodontal disease or pyorrhea
The best toothpaste for periodontitis or pyorrhoea should have antimicrobial ingredients to fight bacteria and reduce plaque, as well as fluoride to help protect teeth's enamel. In addition, pyorrhoea often causes tooth sensitivity, so the best toothpaste for periodontal disease should also help combat tooth sensitivity.
Toothpaste for receding gums
The best toothpaste for receding gums should contain ingredients that stimulate the regeneration of gum tissue and help prevent further gum recession. Toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients that further irritate the gums should be avoided.
Toothpaste for gingivitis or inflamed gums
The type of toothpaste most recommended for people with inflamed gums or gingivitis is one that contains fluoride and ingredients with gum-strengthening properties.
Toothpaste for bad breath
With ingredients that neutralise unpleasant odours and freshen breath, toothpastes specifically designed for bad breath are ideal for those suffering from halitosis.
Toothpaste with or without fluoride?
One of the primary debates in the field of oral care is whether or not we should be using toothpaste with fluoride or without fluoride.
Below we’ll explain what the professionals recommend when it comes to choosing toothpaste with or without fluoride.
Toothpaste with fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Most toothpaste with fluoride contains a concentration that is safe and effective in protecting the teeth against tooth decay.
Fluoride-free toothpaste
Some people prefer fluoride-free toothpaste due to concerns about excessive fluoride intake. However, it is important to first consult with a dental professional to determine whether a fluoride-free toothpaste is right for you.
What is the best toothpaste that is recommended by dentists?
If you're wondering which toothpaste is best and recommended by dentists, there is no single answer.
The best toothpaste for you will depend on your specific needs. For this reason, it's important to consult your dentist for a personalised recommendation according to your needs. You should let your dentist determine the best toothpaste for you and what dental hygiene routine you should follow.
Toothpaste recommended during orthodontic treatment
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to choose a toothpaste that helps keep teeth and gums clean and healthy during treatment. The ideal toothpaste for people having orthodontic treatment should contain ingredients that prevent bacteria and caries from forming. Also, look for a toothpaste that is gentle and non-abrasive to avoid damaging aligners or other appliances.
Clear aligners from Impress - the perfect ally for improving your oral health
Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for optimal oral health. However, in some cases, it is not enough to simply maintain a good dental hygiene routine. Some people may require orthodontic treatment to correct problems that do not allow them to care for their teeth in the proper way. An example of this would be cases of dental crowding where the teeth overlap and it is not possible to clean all areas of the mouth correctly. However, this is not the only malposition or malocclusion that could prevent you from maintaining adequate oral health, so it is recommended to visit an orthodontist so that they can evaluate your specific case.
If you are thinking of improving your oral health and the appearance of your teeth, you can count on Impress. With our clear aligner treatments, you can improve the position of your teeth and achieve optimal oral health. Visit your nearest Impress clinic where you will be able to meet our team of professionals and find out which treatment is best for you. You can also make an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about toothpaste
Does toothpaste expire?
Toothpaste does indeed expire, as is indicated on the packaging. The expiry date indicates when the ingredients will start to lose effectiveness. In general, using expired toothpaste does not harm your health but is ineffective in tackling oral health problems.
When was toothpaste invented?
Pinpointing exactly when toothpaste was invented is a bit complicated, as there are records that can trace it back to ancient Egypt and others to ancient Persia, so we cannot determine its exact origin. The evolution of toothpaste continued in ancient China and in the Mayan world. But modern toothpaste, which is closer to the toothpaste we use today, originates from the 18th century. It was a dentist named Peabody who invented modern toothpaste. It wasn't until 1873 that an American brand mass-produced toothpaste for market launch. In 1892 it was launched in the collapsible tube as we know it today.
Do you need to rinse toothpaste?
If we use the correct amount of toothpaste, you do not need to rinse it from your mouth after brushing. You just need to spit out the excess toothpaste. If we rinse off the toothpaste, we reduce the effect of the ingredients within the toothpaste.
How to know if a toothpaste is good or not
If you want to find out how to know if a toothpaste is good or not, it is best to take a look at the ingredients it contains and/or consult with your dentist if you have any doubts. Depending on your personal needs, it should include certain ingredients.
When do you start brushing a baby’s teeth with toothpaste?
Defining when to start brushing a baby’s teeth with toothpaste is a bit tricky, but generally speaking, fluoride toothpaste formulated for babies can be used from the moment the first tooth comes through.
What is the best toothpaste for smokers with stained teeth?
The best toothpaste for smokers to combat tobacco stains is one that contains special ingredients such as baking soda to remove tobacco stains and blue corvina to minimise the yellowing of the teeth. In addition, it is important to check that this type of toothpaste also contains fluoride to help whiten and strengthen the teeth, as well as target bad breath.
How much toothpaste should you use?
A common doubt that many have is how much toothpaste to use. Some people think that using more toothpaste is better for their teeth, but this is not true. To benefit from the ingredients found within the toothpaste, you only need to use a pea-sized amount.
