Toothpastes are accessories for cleaning the teeth. They come in gels/pastes and are put on toothbrushes to clean the teeth. Toothpastes help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. There are different types of toothpastes and consumers often want the best available option.
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 the choice of toothpaste, we all have different preferences. What tastes nice to me might be irritating to the other person. The best toothpaste therefore is your favorite toothpaste provided it contains fluoride. If it doesn’t, please look for one that contains fluoride.