All About The Paste In Our Toothbrushes

Toothpastes are some the few indispensable materials used for oral hygiene. Toothpastes are used to aid in the removal of dental plaque and food from the teeth, as well as with the elimination and/or masking of halitosis and deliver active ingredients such as fluoride or xylitol to prevent tooth and gum disease (gingivitis). However, when cleaning teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, the essential cleaning is done by the mechanical brushing, and not by the active toothpaste chemicals. Most toothpastes contain traces of chemicals which are toxic when ingested, and is not intended to be swallowed.

Active Ingredients

Fluoride in various forms is the most popular active ingredient in toothpaste to prevent cavities. Although it occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources, and has effects on the formation of dental enamel and bones, it is not considered to be a dietary essential and no deficiency signs are known. Much of the toothpaste sold in the United States has 1000 to 1100 parts per million fluoride ion from one of these active ingredients. In the UK, the fluoride content is often higher, a NaF of 0.32% w/w (1,450 ppm fluoride) is not uncommon. According to the dentist burbank, this consistency leads some to conclude that cheap toothpaste is just as good as expensive toothpaste.

Other Ingredients

In addition to fluoride, the other fundamental ingredient in most toothpastes is an abrasive. Studies have shown that abrasives in toothpaste reduce the time needed to remove plaque from the teeth by approximately 50%. Abrasives, like the dental polishing agents used in dentist's offices or OTC (over-the-counter) high concentration gels, also cause a small amount of enamel erosion which is termed "polishing" action. The removal of plaque and calculus prevents caries and periodontal disease. According to the dentist burbank, the polishing of teeth removes stains from tooth surfaces, but has not been shown to improve dental health over and above the effects of the removal of plaque and calculus.

Ingredients such as baking soda, enzymes, vitamins, herbs, calcium, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, mouthwash, and/or hydrogen peroxide are often combined into base mixes and marketed as being beneficial. Some manufacturers add antibacterial agents, for example triclosan or zinc chloride, to prevent gingivitis. Triclosan is a common ingredient in the UK. Bases such as sodium hydroxide are also used to neutralize acids.

Toxicity

With the exception of toothpaste intended to be used on pets such as dogs and cats, and toothpaste used by astronauts, most toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, and doing so may cause nausea or diarrhea; fluoride toothpaste can be toxic if swallowed in large amounts. If a large amount of toothpaste is swallowed, Poison Control should be contacted immediately. According to the dentist burbank, extended consumption while the teeth are forming can result in fluorosis. This is why young children should not use fluoride toothpaste except under close supervision.

Anne Fields, currently working as an assistant professor, has been presently active in the dental organizations over the United States. She has attained credibility and high respect for her vast experience as being one of the top 25 speakers these days. She also writes articles about proper dental hygene in her free time.