Brushing your teeth is an important hygiene procedure that should not be neglected. You need to clean your mouth twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. For this, special tools are used. Unfortunately, many people approach their choice irresponsibly. They take the first thing that comes in the store, or a product at a discount. This is a fundamentally wrong approach. Specialists of the dental clinic “Danika” will tell you what good toothpaste to choose for daily use, and how to choose the right one according to the strips.
What types exist
In accordance with GOST 7983-99, all compositions can be divided into two large groups:
- Hygienic;
- Therapeutic and prophylactic.
It would be correct to single out another type of oral hygiene product – medical. That is one that needs to be used temporarily during the period of therapy. For example, after surgery or other manipulations in the dentist’s office, with severe problems.
However, there is no such classification. Rospotrebnadzor classifies them according to their purpose as follows:
- Fluorine-containing. Reduce the likelihood of caries and demineralization of the enamel surface of the teeth.
- Contains triclosan. Stop inflammatory processes in gum disease.
- Whitening. Effectively fight yellowish plaque.
- Desensitizing. Reduce sensitivity to cold, hot, and sour.
These remedies can be called therapeutic, as they have proven effectiveness.
Hygienic
The composition does not contain medicinal components, but there are:
- Abrasives;
- Humidifiers;
- Fluorine;
- Flavour;
- Herbs with antibacterial effects.
They are designed to remove plaque, and food residues from the enamel, as well as to give freshness to the breath.
Treatment and prophylactic
They are used for the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. They have medicinal properties:
- Antiseptic;
- Anti-inflammatory.
However, they can be used on a daily basis.
These toothpaste, in turn, are divided into three groups. Let’s consider each type in more detail.
Desensitizing
Designed for patients with hypersensitivity – hyperesthesia. That is, for those whose teeth react sharply to hot, cold, and sour foods. The constituent components contain:
- Potassium citrate;
- The smallest abrasive elements (in most cases silicon oxide);
- Potassium chloride and strontium.
Active substances penetrate the enamel and clog the micro channels in the dentin. Thus, reducing the susceptibility of tissues to irritating factors.
Anti-inflammatory
The use of such funds is indicated for lesions of the gums and mucous membranes:
- Gingivitis;
- Periodontitis;
- Stomatitis.
They have a firming, astringent effect. Reduce bleeding, and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The composition includes antibacterial and strengthening elements, including chlorhexidine, triclosan, chlorophyll, vitamin E, and extracts of medicinal herbs (echinacea, edelweiss, and calendula).
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Whitening
Contains the following components:
- Hydrogen peroxide;
- Carbamide peroxide;
- Pain;
- Bromelain.
When deciding which toothpaste to choose for every day, keep in mind that this option will not help restore your natural whiteness. Its task is only to remove plaque from the surface. To get a sparkling snow-white smile, you need to undergo a special procedure at the dentist. You can do this at Dentika Dental Clinic.
Properties of oral cleaners
When choosing a suitable composition for a hygienic process, one should take into account not only its purpose but also some other characteristics, which we will discuss below.
Abrasiveness
This parameter can be found in the package. It means the intensity of the impact:
- 0-20 – for children under 3 years old;
- 20-50 – with increased sensitivity;
- 50-80 – for everyday use in the absence of dental problems;
- 80-110 – with whitening properties, can be used every day after consulting a doctor;
- 110 and above – provides pronounced whitening, is not suitable for constant cleaning and has high susceptibility to external irritating factors.
It is important to pay attention to this parameter. Choosing the wrong toothpaste can damage your teeth.
Consistency
This refers to density. The composition should be evenly squeezed out, not exfoliating. To do this, thickeners and emulsifiers are added to the constituent components. They are safe for the body. Also present in cosmetics, foods, and specialized oral gels.
Taste and aroma
A hygiene product must not only be safe and effective in solving various problems, but also please you. There are a huge number of options that you can choose from depending on your taste preferences: mint, fruit with various pleasant combinations, and vegetable.
This parameter is especially important for children’s products. If the child does not like the aroma and taste, it will not be possible to accustom him to the cleaning procedure. However, it should be borne in mind that this characteristic cannot be decisive when buying.
Components
Before you choose the right effective toothpaste, you must definitely study its composition, and make sure that it is safe and of high quality.
What should be in the ingredients
They may contain:
- Anticarious elements. Strengthen enamel and prevent caries. Usually, they are calcium, zinc citrate, xylitol, hydroxyapatites, and fluorine-containing compounds.
- Substances that reduce sensitivity. These include calcium sodium phosphosilicate, hydroxyapatite and potassium chloride, arginine, and stannous fluoride. They form a thin protective film on the surface, and temporarily reduce the diameter of the dentinal tubules, which are responsible for the susceptibility of tissues to temperatures and acids.
- Components that promote remineralization and strengthening of teeth. These include fluorine derivatives, calcium and sodium glycerophosphates, hydroxyapatite, and mineral salts.
- Abrasives. Effectively remove plaque and food particles. Thanks to this, the shade seems a little lighter. Such elements are sodium or magnesium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, phosphate salts, aluminosilicates, polydimethylsiloxane, and titanium dioxide. The last ingredient has the mildest effect. It damages the enamel the least.
- Enzymes. Dissolve stubborn dirt. These include bromelain, papain, and enzyme compounds based on modified silicon dioxide.
- Plant extracts and essential oils (green tea, sage, St. John’s wort, yarrow, succession, eucalyptus, chamomile, calendula, aloe). Provide quality gum care, and freshen breath.
The listed components are safe for your body.
What should not be in the components
When examining the packaging, pay attention to the following ingredients:
- SLS/SLES. These substances are responsible for how the product foams. The more of them, the more lush foam you get. However, this does not mean that the product will be better cleaned due to this. In addition, these elements destroy the natural protective barrier and can provoke dryness of the mucous membranes and an allergic reaction.
- Triclosan and triclogard. They are powerful antibiotics that destroy not only pathogenic bacteria but also the beneficial microflora of the oral cavity. They are also not good for the immune system. The content of such components is permissible, but only in the treatment of dental diseases. Such products are used by the course and as prescribed by the specialist.
- Calcium carbonate. Acts as an abrasive in budget hygiene products. Leaves scratches on the enameled surface disrupt its structure and lead to the development of caries (the appearance of white spots that indicate an early stage of carious lesions).
Recommendations and advice from dentists on choosing toothpaste boil down to the fact that these components should be avoided.
Building on existing problems
The criteria listed earlier undoubtedly play an important role when buying. However, first of all, you still need to focus on the condition of your oral cavity. Moreover, for morning and evening cleaning, you can use various means. For example, after waking up – whitening, and before going to bed – restoring enamel.
Plaque
Oral hygiene is essential after each meal to avoid deposits. However, this does not mean that after eating a meal, it is necessary to brush and paste your teeth. This negatively affects the enamel surface. The procedure is carried out only 2 times a day, and the rest of the time, give preference to a special thread, rinse aid or just rinsing with water.
To prevent the appearance of a stone, products intended for daily use are capable of preventing the appearance of a stone. Their abrasiveness should be no more than 80, and the content of fluorine or hydroxyapatite should not be less than 950 ppm.
Bad smell
If it is insignificant and manifests itself in the morning, this is considered the norm. But if it persists throughout the day, this may indicate the presence of pathologies.
A specific aroma occurs when volatile sulfur compounds are formed in the mouth, which is secreted by bacteria. This is caused by various factors:
- Violation of hygiene requirements;
- Caries;
- Inflammation of the gums;
- Smoking;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs, and kidneys;
- Diabetes;
- Taking certain medications and so on.
If the serious causes of the appearance of an unpleasant odor (halitosis) are excluded, it can be eliminated on your own.
Many manufacturers, in order to increase the rating of their product, claim that it helps to cope with this problem. However, in reality, they only mask it. To really achieve a lasting effect, you should choose products with an antibacterial effect. They contain active ingredients that eliminate volatile sulfur compounds: zinc, essential oils, and charcoal. To obtain a pronounced result, such pastes are recommended to be supplemented with a rinse with similar ingredients.
Sensitive enamel
In this pathological condition, it is desirable to give preference to agents with hydroxyapatite, fluorine, or calcium. They strengthen teeth and reduce susceptibility to external factors.
Please note that if your sensitivity is too high, brushing should be gentle. Any too-intense pressure can lead to damage, pain, and aggravation of the situation. It is better to choose compositions with RDA 20-30 abrasiveness.
Sensitive gums
Inflammatory processes in them and bleeding are usually observed with irregular and poor-quality cleaning. Dealing with the problem requires a holistic approach. It is necessary to give preference to products containing chlorhexidine, plant extracts, allantoin, menthol, and thymol. Also, choose your toothbrush carefully. Her bristles should be soft. Additionally, purchase a gum tissue rinse with increased sensitivity.
In advanced cases, it is necessary to use products that have antiseptics in their components. They prevent inflammation, destroy pathogenic microorganisms, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Please note that they need to be applied for 2-3 weeks, a maximum of a month. This is due to the fact that they destroy the beneficial microflora in the oral cavity.
Hue change
Yellowing or darkening of teeth can be caused by various factors:
- Violation of hygiene requirements;
- Smoking;
- Abuse of coffee, strong tea, red wine, and so on.
However, the enamel can be made a little lighter if you use products with a whitening effect (with pain, bromelain). If they also contain strengthening and regenerating elements, comprehensive care will be provided.
Remember that you cannot achieve a perfectly white smile on your own at home. This will require professional procedures.
Prevention of caries
This disease is considered the most common dental problem in the world. With carious lesions, the destruction of hard tissues occurs. It all starts with the appearance of a white spot on the surface and ends with pulpitis and other disorders that lead to the loss of a dental unit.
The main reason for the development of this disease is the active reproduction of bacteria that secrete acids. They wash out fluorine and calcium and weaken the structure.
The optimal environment for the life of pathogenic microorganisms is carbohydrates, which come in large quantities with sweets. Patients with thinned enamel are also at risk. Through microdamage, pathogens get inside and have a destructive effect from the inside.
Treating caries is not easy. It is best to take preventive measures to prevent its development. It is necessary to select products with mono-fluorophosphate and sodium fluoride, amine fluorides, calcium glycerophosphate, and xylitol. Clean your mouth every 12 hours. These components strengthen the enameled surface, fill microcracks, and are even able to cure a carious lesion at the white spot stage. Additionally, it is recommended to use an irrigator to clean the areas between the teeth. It is in them that the disease begins since it is difficult to reach them with a brush.
Note! Prevention is especially important for pregnant women. During this period, a large amount of calcium is washed out of the body. Accordingly, the risk of caries increases significantly.
How to identify a good toothpaste by strips
On the tube, namely: on the seam at the bottom, there are multi-colored lines. Many are convinced that:
- Green stripes indicate a safe, natural composition;
- Blue – on synthetic components, which is why the product is not suitable for daily use;
- Red – can provoke allergies and other undesirable reactions;
- Black ones are the most harmful, so it is better to buy them.
In fact, all this information is a myth. This is not a marking, but a production mark for light sensors. They are applied so that the tubes get into the equipment on the right side.
Summing up
Specialists of the dental clinic “Dentika” told us how to determine the quality and naturalness of toothpaste, and dispelled the misconception that a good remedy can be identified by the color of the stripes on the tube. Now you know how to choose the right product. If you want to preserve the health and beauty of your teeth, do not neglect the knowledge gained!