Contents
*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
The health of your teeth and gums depends on the toothpaste you use. It cleans enamel, helps control bacteria (the cause of plaque and bad breath), and is used to prevent oral pathologies. Today we will tell you what the composition of a quality toothpaste should be and what you need to consider when buying.
Top manufacturers
The effectiveness and safety of dentifrice directly depends on the manufacturer. Before entering the market, a product must undergo a series of clinical studies (in humans) and laboratory experiments. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers produce safe and high-quality products. To eliminate the possibility of buying a shoddy product, check out the list of the best toothpaste brands:
R.O.C.S.;
SATO;
PresiDENT;
Arm&Hammer;
Crest;
Lacalut;
Sensodyne;
Biorepair;
Uncle Harry’s;
Marvis;
Glister.
Criteria for choosing toothpaste
Composition
Fluoride
Fluoridated toothpastes prevent enamel demineralization and caries development. But with excessive intake of fluorides (fluorine ions) in the body, the enamel of the teeth becomes covered with chalky spots (this disease is called fluorosis) and is destroyed. Therefore, scientists do not recommend the use of such pastes in regions with a high concentration of fluoride in water.
High fluoride dentifrices (greater than 1 ppm fluoride) provide protection for patients at high risk of caries. But such pastes should be bought only on the recommendation of a dentist.
Read the toothpaste label before buying. Fluorides can be signed as “Stannous fluoride”, “Sodium fluoride”, “Monofluoride phosphate (MFP)”.
Stannous fluoride has antibacterial properties. It helps prevent gum damage and disease and reduces tooth sensitivity.
Calcium
This element is used to mineralize and restore enamel with minor damage to the teeth. Look for labels such as calcium lactate (Calcium Lactate), calcium phosphate (Calcium Phosphate), calcium glycerophosphate (Calcium Glycerophosphate), calcium citrate (Calcium Citrate).
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate)
Studies have shown that the active ingredient in toothpastes, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, prevents hardening of plaque on the teeth, but does not remove existing tartar. Tartar can only be removed by professional cleaning.
Dentists claim that pastes containing this substance can cause an inflammatory process and a rash in the oral cavity.
Triclosan
Triclosan dentifrices should not be used for longer than 20 days. Although such pastes have an antimicrobial effect, they cause oral dysbiosis and can cause allergies.
Chlorhexidine
Like triclosan, chlorhexidine eliminates pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, but along the way destroys the normal microflora that protects against gum and tooth diseases. Pastes with chlorhexidine should not be used for longer than 20 days.
Parabens
It is important that toothpaste does not contain parabens (Parabens). These substances increase the risk of oxidative stress, which leads to the development of cancer and early aging. Although manufacturers claim that the amount of parabens in the product is minimal and does not affect the incidence of cancer, it’s not worth the risk. The concentration of these compounds is not controlled by any authorities. Therefore, if you notice components such as Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben on the label, refuse to buy.
Sodium lauryl sulfate
According to studies, this compound can cause allergic reactions and (when excessively accumulated in the body) increases the risk of cancer.
Types of Toothpastes
If you have healthy teeth and no problems with the oral cavity, choose regular hygienic pastes. They do not have any therapeutic effect, but freshen breath and remove plaque. These are perfect for kids.
If you have problems with the oral cavity, buy treatment and preventive products:
Desensitizing gels. Tooth sensitivity is manifested when the enamel is thinning, the presence of caries or the exposure of the root of the tooth. Desensitizing agents strengthen the demineralized tooth surface and desensitize the nerves by creating a barrier between vulnerable spots and irritants. However, the effect of use is felt after 4-6 weeks of use. Keep in mind that such products will not reduce tooth sensitivity if it is caused by cavities and similar diseases. Experts recommend choosing products containing five percent potassium nitrate.
Anticarious – they contain fluoride or calcium. Can be used by people with sensitive teeth. Contraindicated in young children, patients suffering from fluorosis, and people with progressive caries.
Anti-inflammatory – are used in inflammatory processes of the oral cavity and bleeding gums. Not suitable for frequent and regular use.
The composition organic toothpastes contains a greater number of natural and safe components, however, they, as a rule, do not contain fluorides. These products are great for children and people with healthy teeth.
Are very popular whitening pastes – they eliminate the yellowness of the teeth and dark spots (relevant for smokers and coffee lovers). These products contain abrasives that, with prolonged use, break the integrity of the enamel and increase sensitivity, especially when brushing your teeth with a hard brush. In addition, they can not be used in the presence of cracks, caries and other damage to the enamel.
Which toothpaste to choose for a child
Children’s dentifrice products should contain a small amount of fluoride as babies do not know how to rinse their mouth effectively after using toothpaste and often swallow the latter. Remember:
Fluoride should not be contained in products for children under two years of age.
The permissible concentration of fluorine for children older than two to three years is less than 0,023%.
It is not recommended to use abrasive (whitening) products for children, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic products without a doctor’s prescription. It is important that the product does not contain carcinogens (parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate) and antiseptics (triclosan, etc.). Make sure the paste contains minerals (potassium, aminophosphates or fluorides) and natural plant ingredients. This will promote proper tooth development.
How to choose toothpaste by strips
There is an opinion that the color of the stripes in the upper part of the tubes of toothpastes can tell about the presence/absence of abrasive and chemical substances in the composition. However, this is nothing more than a myth. Markings in black, red, blue or green are used so that the conveyor sensor “reads” this mark and cuts the tube in the right place.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.