Beyond Brushing: Unpacking the Role of Toothpaste in Oral Care

Most people understand that toothpaste plays a key role in their oral health routine. However, toothpaste does more than just clean teeth. Whether in the form of a paste, gel, or powder, toothpaste contains ingredients designed to scrub, strengthen, and protect teeth. Let’s take a closer look at the role of toothpaste in oral care and how to choose the best toothpaste for you.

Key Purposes of Toothpaste in Oral Care

Toothpaste is an essential component of brushing and provides multiple benefits, including the following:

• Deep Cleans: Toothpaste contains active ingredients that help remove plaque buildup to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
• Eliminates Stains: While brushing with toothpaste alone can not get rid of all stains, it can help reduce discoloration and whiten teeth.
• Strengthens Enamel: Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects against tooth decay. Toothpaste can help keep enamel strong and resilient.
• Freshens Breath: Brushing at least twice a day helps to keep bacteria at bay for fresher-smelling breath.
• Protects Gums: Harmful bacteria in the mouth can collect on the gum line between the teeth and gums. Toothpaste helps minimize these bacteria.

How Toothpaste Works in Oral Care

Knowing what’s in toothpaste can help you better understand how it works. Toothpaste contains both active and non-active ingredients that help clean and protect the teeth.

Abrasives are considered non-active ingredients but serve an important purpose in oral care. These ingredients scrub and polish the teeth without harming the enamel. Common examples of abrasives found in toothpaste include dehydrated silica gels, calcium carbonate, and hydrated aluminum oxide.

Fluoride is an active ingredient in toothpaste that acts as a natural cavity fighter. Fluoride is a type of mineral that strengthens teeth and makes them less susceptible to decay.

Most toothpaste also contains humectants, which prevent the toothpaste from drying out. These ingredients help trap water to maintain a smooth paste that easily squeezes out of the toothpaste tube.

Detergents are another ingredient in toothpaste and are responsible for creating a foamy environment in the mouth when you brush. While the most common type of detergent in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate, some brands may use other ingredients for this purpose.

Finally, your toothpaste will likely contain flavoring components. These components are what give the toothpaste a pleasant taste. As toothpaste does not contain sugar, it needs flavorings to make it palatable when brushing.

Choosing the Best Toothpaste

It can be overwhelming to find dozens of toothpaste options when you shop at the store. However, choosing a toothpaste doesn’t need to be a struggle. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a toothpaste:

1. Does the toothpaste have the ADA seal of approval?

University of Rochester Medical Center recommends buying a toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval found on the label. This seal signifies that the toothpaste is safe and lives up to its claims of effectiveness.

2. What are the ingredients in the toothpaste?

Another thing you’ll find on the toothpaste label is a list of ingredients. Reading these ingredients can give you a better understanding of how well the toothpaste cleans, strengthens, and protects teeth.

3. Does the toothpaste contain fluoride?

Fluoride is one of the most important ingredients found in many toothpastes. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and assists with the removal of stubborn plaque. It also makes your enamel more resistant to acid attacks.

4. Is the texture of the toothpaste appealing?

The great thing about toothpaste is that it can be personalized to your preferences. Some people prefer pastes while others like the texture of gel. You’ll also want to choose a flavor you enjoy, such as mint.

5. What are your oral health goals?

Some toothpastes on the market are designed to help with certain oral health issues. For example, you’ll find toothpastes that contribute to fresher breath or whiter teeth. Specialized toothpaste can help reduce discomfort in people with sensitive teeth.

Contact Your Clermont Dentist

If you’re not sure which toothpaste is best for you, ask your dentist in Clermont for guidance. Schedule an appointment with Hancock Village Dental today by calling our office at 352-989-5815.