When it comes to the choice of toothpaste, we all have different preferences. What tastes nice to me might be irritating to another person. Toothpastes are merely accessories for cleaning the teeth; they do not perform the function of cleaning, toothbrushes do. They come in gels/pastes and are put on toothbrushes to clean the teeth; they help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. There are different types of toothpastes out there in the market which makes people wonder which type to buy.
Major content of Toothpastes include:
- Water
- Fluoride: helps in preventing holes/cavities. It helps strengthen the outer layer of the tooth(enamel). In most toothpastes, it is found in the form of sodium fluoride. Any toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride is not approved by the FDI and the Nigerian Dental Association. A good toothpaste should contain fluoride. Dentists recommend you to brush with a fluoride containing toothpaste.
- Detergents: this confers on the toothpaste its foaming ability enabling uniform distribution of the toothpaste while brushing.
- Abrasives: remove stains and food debris.
- Flavours such as mint gives the toothpaste a pleasant taste.
- Others are humectants which helps prevent water loss and thickening agents.
When it comes to picking the best toothpaste, there is one major thing to look out for – the presence of Fluoride. Dentists recommend brushing with a fluoride containing toothpaste twice daily for at least 2 minutes. This is because Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
NB: Sometimes your dentist might recommend a particular type of toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth.
See also: Ideal Toothpaste for Children less than 6 years
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