Toothpaste is an essential tool for maintaining good health. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. After eating or drinking, the bacteria release acids that attack the tooth enamel. It can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Brushing the teeth with toothpaste helps remove this plaque and food from the teeth. Using toothpaste also freshens your mouth and helps in eliminating bad breath.
History
Ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to use toothpaste. It was even before the invention of toothbrushes. This paste was a mixture of crushed rock, salt, mint, iris flowers, and pepper. Although this cleaned the teeth and freshened the mouth, it was very harsh on the gums. Ancient Greeks and Romans also developed their unique toothpaste. They used crushed bones, tree bark, charcoal, and oyster shells. India and China then began using toothpaste. The Chinese used bones, twigs, herbal mints, flower petals, and salt. In the 1850s, people started using modern toothpaste. The formula then kept changing. The introduction of less abrasive ingredients prevented damage to the tooth enamel. In the 20th century, toothpaste contained fluoride. This mineral prevented tooth decay and gum disease.
Recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Children should brush their teeth when their first tooth appears. From this age until three years of age, they should use a small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). From the age of three, children and adults should use a pea-sized amount. The ADA further recommends an adult supervise children during brushing. It is to ensure that the child does not swallow the toothpaste. If a child does ingest more than a pea-sized amount, contact the Poison Control Center.
Ingredients
Toothpaste is available in a paste or gel form. It contains both active and non-active agents and comes in many varieties. The color of toothpaste is usually white. They also come in other colors, such as blue, green, or colored stripes. Toothpaste consists of the following common ingredients:
Abrasives
Abrasive compounds remove stains and debris from the teeth. It does this without damaging the tooth enamel. Silica, calcium carbonate, and aluminum oxide are abrasives. The scrubbing movement of the toothbrush with this compound also gives teeth a polished look.
Thickening agents
Guar gum, xantham gum, and cellulose are thickening agents. These compounds keep the ingredients bound together.
Humectants
Glycerol, glycol, and sorbitol are humectants. These compounds prevent the toothpaste from drying out. They trap moisture, thus maintaining the structure of the toothpaste.
Antibacterial agents
Toothpaste contains triclosan and zinc chloride due to their antibacterial properties. The ADA states that these agents prevent gum disease, such as gingivitis. It also aids in reducing tartar and bad breath.
Detergents
Toothpaste contains detergent, also known as surfactants. It is a cleaning compound. It also allows the foam to form when you brush your teeth. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a type of detergent.
Flavors
Natural and artificial flavorings enhance the taste and smell of toothpaste. Mint, peppermint, lemon, and bubblegum are some popular flavors. Toothpaste also contains sweetening agents. Popular sweeteners include sorbitol and saccharin. It makes the toothpaste taste more pleasant. The ADA disapproves of toothpaste containing sugar, as it is known to cause tooth decay.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral added to strengthen the tooth enamel. Yet, recent studies have shown that fluoride can lead to many health problems. These include brittle bones, neurological impairment, and cancer. It can also lead to dental fluorosis in children (discolored teeth).
Types of toothpaste
There is a wide range of toothpaste available. It caters to babies, children, and adults. Each one has its unique uses and ingredients. The main ones are:
Teeth-whitening toothpaste
These can make teeth appear whiter by reducing or eliminating stains caused by tea or coffee. This product contains abrasives and cleansers to help achieve this.
Children’s toothpaste
For safety reasons, this has smaller amounts of fluoride than adult toothpaste. Because children’s teeth are more sensitive, it contains fewer abrasives too. Toothpaste for babies is also available. However, avoid using fluoride toothpaste on babies below six months of age.
Smoker’s toothpaste
Over time, people who smoke tobacco develop yellow stains on their teeth. This toothpaste consists of cleansing agents to make the teeth appear whiter.
Tartar removal toothpaste
Not removing plaque by regular brushing leads to the formation of tartar. Tartar irritates the gum tissue because it develops underneath and above the gum line. It can lead to cavities and swollen or bleeding gums.
Sensitive teeth toothpaste
Some people have teeth that are more sensitive to foods and drinks which are too hot or cold. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride. These compounds block the pain sensors that react to these extreme temperatures. After using this toothpaste regularly, the nerves in the teeth become resistant to heat and cold.
Herbal toothpaste
There is now an increasing trend in herbal toothpaste. It suits people with allergies to regular toothpaste. People who want a more natural way of maintaining a healthy mouth may also prefer this. It contains essential oils, herbal ingredients, natural or plant extracts. These include eucalyptus, fennel extracts, aloe vera, hinokitiol, and charcoal. Fluoride-free toothpaste is also becoming popular and a safer option.
Try different toothpaste and select the one that suits you the best. As well as brushing your teeth daily, visit your dentist every six months.