Backpacking Toothpaste
When you buy a tooth paste you will find a range of components that help make your mouth feel clean and fresh. The ingredients can also help remove the stains on your teeth and stop tooth decay.
Remineralizing components can be found in some toothpastes which strengthen enamel. These can lead to tooth discoloration therefore make sure you choose the right one for the needs of your mouth.
Fluoride
Fluoride is an anti-cavity as well as minerals that improve oral health. It’s found naturally in various sources such as water, food and soil. It can be added to toothpaste or water supplies due to a myriad of reasons.
Its primary function is to stop tooth decay by “remineralizing” teeth. It assists to bond enamel to areas of decay and attracting strengthening minerals such as calcium towards the area of the damage. This process creates a new tougher, more durable enamel called fluorapatite that’s stronger and more immune to acids and bacteria.
It is recommended that the American Dental Association suggests that fluoride toothpaste be used at least two times a each day. In addition, your dentist may suggest fluoride varnishes and gels that you apply to your teeth to protect your teeth.
Toothbrushes with fluoride are available with a variety of strengths, with most commercial brands having at minimum 1,000 parts per million of fluoride (i.e. 0.221% sodium fluoride or 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate).
It is recommended that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to use toothpaste for children with at least 1000ppm fluoride. To reduce the risk of swallowing toothpaste is applied as a fine “smear”, using the use of a toothbrush that is small. The toothpaste should also be slightly tilted downward to ensure that leftover paste is not absorbed through the throat.
However, too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which is the appearance of white spots or streaks in the mouth, and digestive problems for children who swallow large amounts of fluoride toothpaste. Furthermore, it has been associated with a variety of negative effects on humans and animals like an increase in swelling, altered development of the brain, and bone loss.
SLS
SLS, also known as sodium lauryl sulfurate, is a common ingredient found in numerous personal care products. It is derived from petroleum or from natural sources like palm or coconut oil.
SLS acts as a foaming ingredient employed in toothpastes in order to remove plaque, food particles as well as other bits of debris that can build up on your teeth. SLS can make the particles of your toothpaste more slippery, allowing the toothpaste to get deeper into the gums as well as your teeth.
There are, however, plenty of toothpastes that are SLS-free and can still do an excellent job at removing grime and plaque from your teeth, without the addition of this chemical. They don’t cause irritation or discomfort while brushing and can also assist in helping retain your fresh breath.
SLS may also cause irritation to the skin and lips surrounding the tongue. The layers of skin that surround your mouth could be damaged through SLS. This makes the mouth more susceptible to infection.
It can also dry out your mouth’s insides and disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth, leading to bad breath, as well as dental health issues. SLS-free toothpastes are recommended by dentists.
SLS may cause fluoride to become less effective and may result in more tooth decay. SLS could also block the whitening effect of certain toothpastes. SLS could cause irritation. Therefore, be sure to select a toothpaste made from a safe and gentle alternative such as Quillaja triterpenic Saponins , or Decyl Glucoside.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also known as Lye (used in the making of soap) or caustic sodium, is a powerful cleansing agent employed in toothpastes in order to neutralize acid and prevent plaque mineralising into calculus. It can dry out the mouth and cause irritation.
Most often, in lower concentrations of fluoride, it is the primary ingredient of toothpaste that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth. The fluoride is slowly absorbed through time. It functions as an remineralizing ingredient, helping to restore damage to tooth surfaces as well as reduce sensitivity.
It is often used with other ingredients, such as hydrated silica in toothpastes to get rid of superficial stains and plaque. It’s also a moderate Abrasive that causes less damage to dentin and enamel as compared to other types of abrasives.
The antiseptic can help prevent and treat gum disease. Additionally, it acts as an anti-foaming agent, increasing the cleansing power of the toothpaste.
Additionally, there are other fluoride-containing substances that can be found in toothpaste in order to increase its effect and help to keep teeth strong. To provide protection from cavities, toothpastes for children and adults can include sodium monofluorophosphate, or the stannous fluoride.
Synthetic colours are typically included to make toothpaste white. It are also used to add flavour. While they’re safe but some artificial colours, such as yellow #5 for instance have been associated with an increase in anxiety and hyperactivity among children.
Parabens and sorbitol are also ingredients you need to avoid. They are known to cause hormonal imbalances in the body, and can build up, which can lead to illnesses.
Instead of using such products instead, you can make use of natural sweeteners such as Stevia or xylitol. The xylitol ingredient is a natural sugar alcohol, and it has been proven to stop dental decay as well as increase saliva, which can help to decrease bacteria in your mouth.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
One of the most sought-after ingredients used in toothpaste is sodium lauryl also known as SLS. It can be made either naturally or synthetically and is the ingredient that gives various products a foamy bubbly consistency.
It is a surfactant that decreases the water-oil’s surface tension for bonding, and lifting debris like grease and dirt. Also, it acts as an agent for foaming that makes products lather up, making it easy for people to apply the cream around the mouth.
For toothpaste, SLS is used because it emulsifies fats and proteins in tooth pastes, helping in dispersing plaque particles and prevent stains from forming on teeth. SLS also has antibacterial properties, which helps reduce the likelihood of suffering from gingivitis and cavities.
It’s also a good detergent and foaming agent so it helps toothpaste to get more lather and provides a better clean-up effect. It helps in the elimination of irritants and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean It’s an ingredient which is utilized in foaming toothpastes and mouthwashes.
The only downside to using SLS is the fact that it may irritate the skin, especially in the case of prolonged periods. This could make it an unsuitable choice for those who suffer from sensitive skin or with rosacea. It’s which is an inflammation condition that affects the skin, which causes redness, swelling, and itching.
There are also concerns about the potential health impacts of SLS, including its potential to increase the risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity or throat. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claims made, they have been widely discussed on the web and remain a source of cause for concern.
Peppermint
In the current season, peppermint is the most popular flavor and toothpaste has used it for a long time. Its unique taste and breath freshening properties of the plant make it an ideal toothpaste flavor.
The peppermint’s menthol is the reason for the cool, refreshing feeling it gives. Menthol can be utilized to combat harmful bacteria.
Along with its breath-freshening effects, menthol can also stimulate your sensory receptors inside the mouth as well as on the skin. This creates a cooling effect. It’s a good idea to apply peppermint toothpaste if you want to maintain good gums and teeth, because it may help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel.
Bob Vogt (Colgate senior flavorist), says that peppermint is an extremely popular flavor due to its “slightly sweet taste” as well as its “lingering cooling”. Peppermint can mask off-flavors from other ingredients.
In the past, mint oil was used for centuries for therapeutic purposes and as a pharmaceutical ingredient, and remains among the top flavors in toothpaste and mouthwash in the present. There is a reason for this. Mint oil is an easy to grow, widespread plant that is found in all regions of the globe.
Its odor and breath-freshening qualities are a good option for toothpaste. However, it also comes with antibacterial, antioxidant, and additional properties to aid in fighting gingivitis, plaque as well as bad breath. It’s also a great choice for toothpaste for kids since it may help prevent tooth decay.
Peppermint toothpaste is a great choice if you’re searching for toothpastes without fluoride or sodium lauryl-sulfate. These toothpastes will provide the same refreshing qualities and whitening capabilities, but without any of the hazardous ingredients in other toothpastes.