When it comes to maintaining proper oral hygiene, toothpaste is the go-to solution for most. Good oral hygiene and overall mouth health depends on toothpaste. Your toothpaste should help:
- Remove plaque and bacteria: With the right ingredients, toothpaste should fight acid production, therefore, not allowing bacteria to thrive. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that accumulates on the teeth and gums, it contains food particles and bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If not removed properly every day, it hardens (called tartar or calculus) and is difficult to brush away. Only a dental professional can remove the hardened plaque.
- Prevent tooth decay: Most toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which strengthens the enamel to help prevent tooth decay. However, there are controversies about fluoride. Early studies show promise that xylitol also helps prevent tooth decay and has other benefits for a healthy mouth, such as promoting production of saliva, therefore, helping prevent dry mouth.
- Freshen breath: By helping to remove plaque properly, your toothpaste should help freshen breath without strong flavors to mask malodor (bad breath).
- Brighten your smile: Mild abrasives are excellent to remove surface stains and bring about a whiter appearing teeth.
- Saliva production: Saliva is important in preventing gum disease, and with chewing food and swallowing. Your toothpaste should help prevent dry mouth, not cause it.
Choosing a toothpaste that meets the needs of a healthy mouth is an important decision, since not all toothpaste are the same.
EFFECTS OF TOOTHPASTE INGREDIENTS
1.Abrasive Toothpaste: Many commercial toothpaste brands contain abrasive components aimed at removing stains and debris. While effective at cleaning, some toothpaste with higher abrasiveness might gradually erode the tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and cavities.
2.Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS, a common ingredient found in toothpaste to create that foamy lather. It can lead to oral tissue irritation for some individuals. It may exacerbate canker sores and impact the delicate balance of the oral microbiome, leading to potential discomfort and oral health issues.
3.High Fluoride Content: Fluoride, known for its role in preventing cavities, can be found in varying types in toothpaste. Excessive fluoride intake may cause dental fluorosis, resulting in white spots or streaks on the teeth, especially if you drink high fluoridated water and use toothpaste with fluoride. The American Dental Association has set the correct percent for the fluoride content in your toothpaste. However, there are different types of fluoride that may be used in toothpaste. For example, sodium fluoride is the most commonly used. Stannous fluoride can also be found in toothpaste. This type may sometimes etch at your enamel or cause tooth staining.
Children under the age of 6 years have difficulty spitting. This is important and is the reason why there is a warning on the back of all toothpaste with fluoride to “keep our of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact Poison Control Center right away.
4.Artificial Sweeteners and Additives: Toothpaste often contain artificial sweeteners and additives for taste and texture enhancement. Some studies report certain artificial sweeteners may include health risks.
We recommend this natural guava-flavored toothpaste. Enjoy gentle cleansing while protecting your oral health. Suitable for both adults and children.