The types of toothpaste and how to choose them

There is a lot of toothpaste available on the market. You can find different kinds of toothpaste for every dental problem that exists. The most common types are fluoridated toothpaste, anti-calculus toothpaste, anti-plaque toothpaste, desensitizing toothpaste, and whitening toothpaste. Each of them has a different chemical composition and a different function. In this article, you will learn about each type of toothpaste, what they contain, and what dental problem they manage.

Anti-decay toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste contains fluoride. The fluoride compounds most commonly found in anti-decay toothpaste are Stannous Fluoride (SnF2) Monofluorophosphate (MFP2), and Sodium Floride (NaF). The usual amount of fluoride content is around 1,000 parts per million. The toothpaste containing fluoride will help your teeth have a healthy enamel and prevent tooth decay. The fluoride toothpaste for children has a lower concentration of fluoride, containing around 500 parts per million.

Anti-calculus toothpaste

This toothpaste can help against the calcification of dental plaque. In addition to this, it can also contribute to reducing calculus formation and lower the chances of suffering from gum disease. The active ingredients of such toothpaste are Zinc Citrate, Pyrophosphate, etc.

Anti-plaque toothpaste

This type of toothpaste helps lower the plaque accumulation and reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. This means that the toxins generated by the bacteria are reduced considerably, also reducing the probability of suffering from periodontal disease. You can find a lot of anti-plaque toothpaste on the market. Most of them have different active ingredients, such as Zinc Citrate, Triclosan, and others.

Desensitizing toothpaste

The desensitizing toothpaste contains active ingredients that will relieve you of your dentin hypersensitivity symptoms. In general, there are two ways the toothpaste does that. It either interrupts the neuronal response to the pain stimuli, or it covers the dentinal tubules found in the dentine.

The tooth hypersensitivity is a sign that the enamel layer is fragile and mostly happens after a tooth whitening procedure. Tooth hypersensitivity can also be the result of over brushing or that your gums have receded, leaving vulnerable parts of your teeth exposed. The active ingredients will help relieve the symptoms resulted from your dental procedure or accident. The most common active ingredients are Arginine and Potassium Nitrate, but you can find a lot of desensitizing toothpaste that contains other ingredients.

Ask your dentist for advice

But before buying toothpaste, it is best to visit your dentist. Get yourself consulted by a dentist to determine if you are suffering from any dental problems. The toothpaste you use should be designed to help your particular problem (if you are suffering from any). If your dentist says that you have a perfect, healthy denture, then you should use the fluoride toothpaste, designed to strengthen the enamel ( the protective layer of your teeth). Ask your dentist which toothpaste they recommend to you.

Remember to brush your teeth twice every day with the toothpaste your dentist has recommended. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush, to avoid damaging your teeth while brushing them.

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