What is toothpaste and what are the different types?
A rigorous oral hygiene routine can help you maintain a healthy, bright smile. An essential component of this is selecting and using the right toothpaste. While most of us know what toothpaste is, few understand what to look for when purchasing it.
This article will delve into what toothpaste is, its purposes, how it functions, what it’s made from, the various types that are available, and how to choose the most suitable one for your needs.
What is toothpaste?
Toothpaste is an oral hygiene product that cleans and protects teeth and gums. It is essential for preventing plaque build-up, removing food particles, and fighting the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
How toothpaste works
How toothpaste works may be a mystery to many, but we're here to clarify. Toothpaste enhances the effectiveness of a toothbrush by using abrasives to remove plaque and polish the tooth surface without harming the enamel. It also produces foam that helps distribute the active ingredients throughout the mouth. These active ingredients also clean and strengthen the enamel (with fluoride) and reduce bacteria levels in the mouth. Brushing for at least two minutes is crucial for giving the toothpaste enough time to work. The abrasives break down plaque, the enamel absorbs the fluoride, and the antibacterial ingredients target the harmful bacteria found in the mouth.
What is toothpaste made of?
Many people wonder, "What is toothpaste made of?" The composition of toothpaste can vary depending on the brand and type, but common ingredients typically include fluoride, mild abrasives, foaming agents, non-drying agents, preservatives, and flavorings. Understanding what is in toothpaste is important since these ingredients work together to clean, protect, and refresh the mouth. So, next time you ask, "What is in toothpaste?" you’ll know it contains a blend of components designed to improve our oral health.
What types of toothpaste are there?
Depending on what is in toothpaste and its intended use, there are various types available. We will explain the different kinds of toothpaste to help you choose the right one for your needs:
Kids’ toothpaste
These toothpastes are specifically formulated for developing baby teeth. Kids' toothpaste usually has gentler ingredients, appealing flavors, and a lower fluoride concentration. These qualities make brushing more enjoyable and effective for young children.
Whitening toothpaste for stain removal
Whitening toothpaste is designed for the removal of surface stains and to restore the natural shine to teeth. However, be careful with using it too often since it usually contains abrasives that can wear down tooth enamel. For more effective results, professional teeth whitening is recommended, with whitening or stain removal toothpaste helping to maintain those results.
Best toothpaste for smoke stains
Whitening toothpaste or stain removal toothpaste also work best on smoke stains.
Regular use can help restore the natural color of your teeth while maintaining overall oral health.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth forms a protective layer around the teeth to shield them against anything that triggers sensitivity. These toothpastes are best for individuals who feel discomfort from pressure or hot or cold temperatures.
What does anti-stain toothpaste do?
Anti-stain toothpaste is formulated to prevent stains from forming on teeth due to pigmented foods and beverages like tea, coffee, and wine, but it does not remove existing stains. Unlike whitening toothpaste, which is effective at removing existing stains, anti-stain toothpaste focuses on prevention. Thus, anti-stain toothpaste helps you avoid the need for abrasive whitening toothpaste by keeping stains from forming in the first place.
Best toothpaste for plaque removal and to prevent dental caries (cavities)
The best toothpaste for dental caries and plaque removal has high concentrations of antibacterial ingredients and fluoride which prevents cavities and plaque from initially forming. Toothpaste for plaque removal or dental cavity prevention is one of the most popular toothpaste options available on the market.
Tartar removal toothpaste
Tartar removal toothpaste is specifically formulated to prevent the accumulation of tartar on teeth and gums. This type of toothpaste contains active ingredients like tetrasodium pyrophosphate and stannous fluoride, which help dissolve plaque and tartar on teeth and prevent it from forming.
What is the best toothpaste for gum problems and gum disease?
If you're curious about which toothpaste is best for gum disease or other problems related to gums, we'll highlight some of the common ingredients found in these types of toothpaste to help you choose the right one for your gums. Toothpaste that prevents and treats gum problems often contains ingredients like panthenol, which reduces inflammation and promotes gum health. However, it's advisable to consult a medical professional before using this type of toothpaste.
Toothpaste for periodontal disease or pyorrhea
Toothpaste to treat periodontitis and pyorrhea should contain antimicrobial ingredients to combat bacteria and reduce plaque, along with fluoride to protect enamel. Since pyorrhea often leads to tooth sensitivity, the best toothpaste for periodontal disease should also target tooth sensitivity.
Toothpaste for receding gums
The ideal toothpaste for receding gums should include ingredients that promote gum tissue regeneration and help prevent further recession. It is important to avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients that could further irritate gums.
Toothpaste to treat gingivitis
For people with gingivitis or inflamed gums, it is recommended that you choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and ingredients that strengthen the gums.
Which type of toothpaste is best for treating bad breath?
Toothpastes that are specifically designed for bad breath, containing ingredients that neutralize unpleasant odors and freshen breath, are ideal for treating halitosis.
Should I choose toothpaste with or without fluoride?
A major debate in the field of dental care revolves around the use of fluoride in toothpaste.
Here we will outline what professionals recommend when choosing a toothpaste with or without fluoride.
Toothpaste with fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that provides several benefits for teeth when used correctly, including the prevention of tooth decay and the strengthening of enamel.
The concentration of fluoride found within toothpaste is safe and is effective in preventing tooth decay.
Toothpaste without fluoride
Some individuals opt for toothpaste without fluoride out of concerns regarding excessive fluoride intake. However, it's crucial to seek advice from a dental professional before deciding if fluoride-free toothpaste is suitable for you.
What is the best toothpaste that is also recommended by dentists?
If you're searching for the best toothpaste recommended by dentists, there isn't a one-size-fits-all option.
The best toothpaste for you depends on your individual needs. That's why you should consult with your dentist for a personalized recommendation tailored to your specific requirements. Your dentist can recommend a toothpaste and the optimal dental hygiene routine for you.
Toothpaste to use during orthodontic treatment
For orthodontic patients, it is important to use toothpaste that keeps your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. The best toothpaste for those with braces or aligners should include ingredients that prevent bacteria and cavities. Additionally, it is important to choose a non-abrasive toothpaste so that you don’t damage your aligners or other orthodontic appliances.
How to improve your oral health with a clear aligner treatment at Impress
In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s essential that you follow a regular dental hygiene routine. However, in certain instances, a good dental hygiene routine alone may not be enough for your oral health. Some people may also require orthodontic treatment to address issues that affect proper dental care. For instance, dental crowding can lead to overlapping teeth, making it difficult to clean all areas of the mouth effectively. Some other misalignments or malocclusions could also impact oral health. Therefore, it is important to consult an orthodontist for a thorough evaluation of your specific case.
If you want to upgrade your oral health and improve how your teeth look, you can rely on Impress. Our clear aligner treatments allow you to correct any dental malpositions and improve your overall oral health. If you want to meet our team of dental experts to find out which treatment is best suited to your needs, visit an Impress clinic near you. You can also schedule your oral evaluation online or by phone at 888.490.1421.
Frequently asked questions about toothpaste
Does toothpaste expire?
Toothpaste does have an expiration date, which is clearly marked on its packaging. This date signifies when the ingredients may begin to lose their effectiveness. While using expired toothpaste typically doesn't pose health risks, it starts to become ineffective.
When was toothpaste invented?
Determining the precise origin of toothpaste is somewhat complex since records trace its roots to ancient Egypt and ancient Persia, leaving its exact beginnings uncertain. The development of toothpaste further progressed in ancient China and in the Mayan world. However, modern toothpaste, resembling the kind we use today, emerged in the 18th century. This version of toothpaste was invented by a dentist named Peabody. It wasn't until 1873 that an American brand began mass-producing toothpaste for commercial distribution. In 1892, it was introduced in the collapsible tube format that we use today.
Do you need to rinse toothpaste?
If the correct amount of toothpaste is used, you do not need to rinse after you brush, you only need to spit out the excess. Rinsing can reduce the effectiveness of the toothpaste's ingredients.
How do you know if a toothpaste is good?
To find out whether a toothpaste is suitable for your specific needs, you should take a look at its ingredients and/or consult with your dentist. Based on your personal needs, the toothpaste should contain specific ingredients.
When should you start to use toothpaste for a baby?
Fluoride toothpaste formulated for babies can be used as soon as their first tooth appears.
How much toothpaste should you use?
Many people are unsure exactly how much toothpaste to use when brushing their teeth. It’s a common misconception that it’s better to use more toothpaste. However, in order to see the benefits, you only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children and babies under 3 years old, you only need an amount the size of a grain of rice.
Does purple toothpaste work?
Purple toothpaste can help neutralize yellow tones in the teeth which helps create the appearance of a whiter smile. However, while it can create the appearance of whiter teeth almost instantly, if you want long-lasting results, it’s better to seek out a professional whitening treatment with your dentist. Before using purple toothpaste, you should consult with a dentist to find out whether it is suitable for your specific needs.
Does charcoal toothpaste work?
Charcoal toothpaste has gained popularity in the past number of years as it is thought to whiten the teeth and detoxify the mouth. However, many dental professionals debate about whether this type of toothpaste is effective or safe. The charcoal within the toothpaste can be quite abrasive, which, while effective in removing surface stains, can cause long-lasting damage to your enamel. Therefore, you should avoid using this type of toothpaste daily and should consult your dentist before you start using it.
