Subsequent generations used tooth powders, which also included sand, as well as bark of trees, crushed clay, powder from porcelain fragments and even coal. It is good that in our time it is not necessary to burn pets and break your favorite service in order to monitor oral hygiene. To do this, just go to a nearby store and buy toothpaste.
But still how to choose the right toothpaste, and not to be mistaken?
In healthy and strong teeth, there are three main enemies. The first enemy is a plaque where microbes live and reproduce, which, as a result of their vital activity, destroy our teeth. The second enemy is an acute shortage of fluoride, which is the main cause of caries. And the third enemy, perhaps, the most dangerous is the surplus of sugar, which not only helps to strengthen the plaque stronger to the teeth, but also is an excellent food for microorganisms. The correct choice of toothpaste should meet all the requirements of dentistry.
Therefore, following the above, one can come to the conclusion that a high-quality toothpaste in its composition should have fluoride, do not contain sugar, and also clean teeth of plaque and remnants of food.
Basis for the cleaning function of any toothpaste are abrasives, which act as a tooth powder. The effectiveness of abrasives depends on their size and the more, the better and more effective the cleaning of teeth. However, the excessively large size of abrasive substances will be harmful, due to its "sandpaper" effect, gradually erasing the tooth enamel. Therefore, the best choice is the paste, which indicates the size of abrasive substances (RDA) - for healthy teeth, it should be up to 100 RDA, for sensitive, not more than 25.
As an abrasive, substances such as silicon dioxide and other compounds thereof are used. A cheap pasta, usually containing fluoride and an abrasive from calcium carbonate is better to bypass. Although there are no harmful properties of such paste, it does not benefit from it, because all the useful qualities of fluorine will be neutralized by calcium carbonate.
It should be noted that the taste of toothpaste for many people is a bit of a bait, despite the fact that it does not bring any practical benefit. Well, of course, it is much nicer to brush your teeth with a pleasant taste and aroma. And besides, the taste of toothpaste can significantly affect its cost. And very often foreign toothpastes are more expensive only because they contain a variety of flavor additives, and not because the quality of such a "delicious" pasta is several times higher. As you know, sugar is not added to toothpastes, so a substance called "xylitol" often acts as an analogue, which not only prevents the development of microbes, but also prevents caries.
As for fluoride, the main weapon in the fight against caries, at present the opinions of dentists are divided on it. The thing is that certain compounds of this substance are toxic, and that is why their content in toothpastes is strictly regulated. In adult toothpaste, the maximum allowed is 150 mg of fluoride per 100 gr. paste, in the nursery is not more than 50 mg per 100 gr. An excess of fluoride in the body can lead to an illness called fluorosis. This disease is characterized by the appearance on the teeth of yellow spots. That is why the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste is not recommended for people living in a place where water is markedly enriched with fluoride.
Another important criterion in the choice of toothpaste is its purpose. Currently, there is a significant selection of toothpaste, which in general and general can be divided into curative, therapeutic, preventive, hygienic and bleaching. And in order to choose the desired paste, you should take into account the state of your teeth and gums. If the condition of your mouth is in excellent condition, you can safely use a regular hygienic paste. If there are problems, the toothpaste, of course, should contain elements that will contribute to their elimination.
One of the most common problems that the toothpaste wants to solve is bleeding gums. As a preventive measure and treatment of this disease, pastes with antibacterial components - triclosan, metronidazole, chlorhexidine and hexidine - are used. However, such pastes should in no case be used on a permanent basis because these substances disrupt the microflora of your oral cavity, killing and beneficial microorganisms. In addition, the pest may have immunity to your paste.
For everyday use, it is best to choose toothpaste, which contains natural ingredients that help to restore inflamed gums: for example, lemon balm, oak bark, chamomile, mint, linden, fir, propolis, etc., and. t.
With great sensitivity of teeth, it is better to use toothpastes, which include potassium citrate, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Slow down the process of formation of tartar will help you paste containing zinc compounds and pyrophosphates.
Therapeutic pastes are different from therapeutic and preventive, the strength of their impact. Therefore, if you can choose a curative preventive paste yourself, then before using a medication you need to consult a doctor.
Speaking about whitening pastes, dentists are sure that they can not change the color of teeth. "Whitening" effect appears as a result of maximum cleaning and polishing of the tooth surface. Therefore, for safe and effective whitening, it is better to take a special course in a dental clinic.
Speaking about children's toothpastes, it should be remembered that small children do not know how to brush their teeth properly and therefore half the whole toothpaste can be swallowed in the process. That is why it is recommended for children to choose specialized toothpastes with a special, more sparing formula.
Now that you have read this article, I hope you will not have any questions about how to choose toothpaste, in order to help yourself and not be deceived, following on the occasion of advertising.