Every morning begins with brushing the teeth, and every night ends with it. This activity is ritualized to such an extent that we never try to scratch beneath the surface. Moreover, the one product that we use every day – toothpaste – goes unquestioned. A beautiful smile starts by maintaining good oral hygiene. The pressing question is whether we need marketed toothpaste or can we make do with natural ingredients? Does it matter what toothpaste we use, or all toothpaste in the market does the same job?

Toothpaste – an indispensable part of dental care

Regularly brushing our teeth is vital to remove the plaque and bacteria that build up after each meal. And brushing with toothpaste is even more necessary as natural alternatives like charcoal or baking soda are not enough on their own. Experts say that you should brush at least once a day – it is the bare minimum. Does it matter what toothpaste we use? Well, it certainly does. The market is full of dental hygiene brands that produce a plethora of different types of toothpaste. From whitening to curing sensitivity, advertisements claim that toothpaste can do it all. If sensitivity is your problem, then look for toothpaste with potassium nitrate. It is the Holy Grail ingredient that calms the nerves and provides relief. People suffering from cavities should opt for toothpaste with a higher amount of fluoride. Lastly, for removing extrinsic teeth stains, you can use toothpaste with abrasive agents like charcoal and silicates. Apart from working on these specific needs, good toothpaste must contain the following ingredients.

• Fluoride: Toothpaste is incomplete with fluoride as it is the ingredient that strengthens teeth and prevents decay. Because of the emergence of fluoride-infused toothpaste in the market, tooth decay and cavities have dramatically decreased in the last 50 years.
• Humectants: They prevent water loss in the toothpaste. The toothpaste will immediately dry out without their presence.
• Silicates: They are the abrasive agents which remove extrinsic stains.
• Foaming agents: They help in the breakdown of plague and also facilitate the process of brushing.
• Flavoring agents: They are crucial because without them, brushing teeth would not be a pleasant experience. Many children and adults might avoid brushing teeth if toothpaste does not have flavoring additives.

What to avoid and what to seek!

Fluoride and pyrophosphates are the most critical ingredients in toothpaste. Without a prescription, you should be looking for toothpaste with fluoride of at least 1000 PPM.  Ingredients like strontium chloride and potassium nitrate are significant to calm sensitivity. Mild silicates can successfully remove temporary and surface-level stains. But, one must be cautious while using abrasive toothpaste. Particular whitening toothpaste contains harsh abrasive agents that may wear your precious enamel down. The FDA recommended RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasive) in any toothpaste should range between 70-100.  The RDA should not, in any circumstances, surpass 200; because these toothpaste are highly abrasive and can lead to irreparable damage.

Thus, there is no doubt about the importance of toothpaste in our daily oral hygiene regimen. The type of toothpaste we also use matters as specific ingredients more fruitfully cater to certain problems. So, on your next visit to the supermarket, make sure that you check the ingredient list of this indispensable product.

PFA – In case of discomfort, pain, or other issues related to teeth and gums, please visits your nearest dentist at the earliest.

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