Toothpaste has been used in some form or other by civilizations as old as the ancient Egyptians. Primitive toothpaste ingredients were…well, primitive, consisting of charcoal, crushed bones, and/or pulverized sea shells. Thankfully, the tube of paste on your bathroom sink is more evolved, but the principles of effectively cleaning teeth remain largely the same. With so many different choices, each containing a different set of ingredients designed for a specific purpose, choosing the right toothpaste might not be as simple as it sounds.
What are Your Needs?
Most toothpaste brands contain detergents to create a foam that more effectively cleans your teeth, abrasives that add scrubbing power to the paste, and flavoring to give the toothpaste its minty-fresh taste. Aside from these main ingredients, toothpaste types can vary in their makeup and purpose, and may include;
- · Whitening toothpaste—unlike teeth whitening treatment, whitening toothpaste doesn’t actually brighten your teeth, but contains higher concentrations of abrasives or chemicals to remove minor tooth stains.
- · Fluoride toothpaste—fluoride is one of the most important elements of cavity prevention. As a mineral, fluoride bonds to the surface of your tooth enamel, the protective layer of mineral crystals that surrounds your teeth. Enamel is the first defense against infectious bacteria, and fluoride toothpaste helps keep the barrier strong.
- · Tartar control toothpaste—tartar is a calcified (hardened) form of dental plaque, which contains hundreds different kinds of bacteria. Tartar control toothpaste works to prevent the buildup of plaque and remove plaque that’s already accumulated. However, once tartar develops, it can only be removed by a dental professional during your checkup and cleaning.
Ask Dr. Smith for Recommendations
As your smile’s professional caretaker, your Grand Prairie family dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, can recommend a specific toothpaste type if your dental health calls for it. For instance, particularly weak tooth enamel can benefit from fluoride toothpaste when used as directed, and patients with minor staining might notice improvement with whitening toothpaste. Dr. Smith can also recommend case-specific hygiene products, like anti-bacterial mouthwash that helps neutralize disease-causing oral bacteria.
About Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Park Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
