Does Colgate Optic White Toothpaste Really Work
A toothpaste contains a variety of ingredients to make your mouth feel fresh and healthy. They also eliminate stains and prevent tooth decay.
Some toothpastes contain remineralizing agents that strengthen enamel. These can be abrasive, so it’s important to know the best one for your mouth and teeth.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a cavity-fighting and dental health-enhancing mineral. It’s naturally found in many different sources such as soil, food and water. Add it to your toothpaste or water supply to meet a variety of needs.
The most significant function of this substance is to stop tooth decay. It accomplishes this by “remineralizing” and bonding enamel in areas that are damaged, then drawing more powerful minerals such as calcium. This creates a fresh tougher, more durable enamel called fluorapatite that’s stronger and more immune to acids and bacteria.
This is why the American Dental Association recommends brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice per day. In addition, your dentist may prescribe fluoride varnishes or gels to apply to your teeth for extra protection.
There are numerous options of toothpastes that contain fluoride. Most commercial brands have at least 1000 parts of million fluoride. 0.221% sodium fluoride or 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate).
In the case of children, for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the use of baby’s toothpaste with at least 1000 ppm of fluoride. It is also safe for ingesting. It is recommended to use the toothpaste in a “smear” using a small toothbrush in order to limit the possibility of swallowing, and it should be slightly angled downwards so that the excess paste flows from the mouth, not into the throat.
However, too much fluoride may cause a condition known as fluorosis. It causes white streaks or spots on the teeth, and also stomach problems in kids who consume large quantities of toothpaste containing fluoride. Furthermore, it has been linked to a range of other adverse effects in both animals and humans, such as an increase in inflammation, altered neurodevelopment as well as bone loss.
SLS
The most commonly used ingredient used in cleaning and personal care items is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It can be derived from natural or petroleum sources, such as palm oil and coconut oil.
The foaming ingredient employed in toothpastes in order to eliminate food particles, plaque and other irritants that build up on your teeth. It also helps make the toothpaste’s molecules more slippery so they can be more easily absorbed into the small spaces between your teeth and gums.
It is possible to find toothpastes that aren’t containing SLS. They’ll remove all plaque and grime from your teeth. The ones that do not contain SLS will be less susceptible to cause irritation or discomfort while you brush, as well as helping to keep your breath fresh and clean.
SLS can also irritate the lips and skin on your tongue. SLS is able to slough off and peel away the outer layers of the skin cells in your mouth, leaving it more susceptible to infection.
SLS could dry out your inside, which could cause bad breath along with various health problems. SLS-free toothpastes are recommended by dentists.
It can also hinder the effectiveness of fluoride, it can diminish its effectiveness and cause your teeth to be more susceptible to tooth decay. SLS may also inhibit the whitening effect of certain toothpastes. SLS can cause irritation so ensure you choose a toothpaste made from an hygienic and safe alternative for example Quillaja triterpenic Saponins , or Decyl Glucoside.
Sodium Hydroxide
The sodium hydroxide, commonly referred to as Lye (used in soap making) or caustic soda, is a potent cleanser employed in toothpastes in order to neutralize acid and prevent plaque mineralising into calculus. It can dry out the mouth, and cause irritation.
Fluoride, which is often present in low amounts in toothpastes , to help strengthen and protect against tooth decay is the main ingredient. The fluoride is slowly absorbed with time. It is the remineralisation agent, which assists to heal damaged areas of the surface of the teeth and protect against teeth from being sensitive to decay.
It’s often combined with other ingredients, like hydrated silica used in toothpastes to get rid of small stains as well as plaque. It’s also a moderate Abrasive that is not as damaging to the enamel and dentin than other abrasives.
It is also an anti-septic which helps prevent gum disease and prevents the buildup of plaque. It is also a foaming agent which increases the cleansing power of the toothpaste.
Additionally, there are other fluoride-containing ingredients which may be found in toothpaste to boost its effectiveness and help to keep teeth in good shape. Stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate can be added to toothpaste for both children and adults in order for effective protection from tooth decay.
Synthetic colors are commonly added to make toothpaste white, and can also be used to add flavour. Although they are safe however, certain synthetic colors like yellow #5 have been linked to anxious children and hyperactivity.
Other additives that you should avoid in your toothpaste are the following: saccharin, sorbitol, and parabens. They can cause hormonal imbalances in the body and may build up, which can lead to issues with your health.
Instead of using these items alternatively, you could use alternative natural ingredients like xylitol and stevia to sweeten your toothpaste. The sugar alcohol Xylitol which is naturally present in your human body has shown to prevent tooth decay and stimulate saliva. This can also help decrease bacteria levels.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A very sought-after components in toothpaste is sodium lauryl, also known as SLS. It is made either naturally or synthetically. The result is a foamy and bubbly texture.
It’s a surfactant which decreases the water-oil’s surface tension to aid in bonding and lifting off debris such as dirt and grease. Also, it acts as an agent for foaming that makes make products more lather and makes it easy for people to distribute the product throughout their mouths.
For toothpastes, SLS is used because it emulsifies fats and proteins in toothpastes. This helps in dispersing plaque particles and help prevent staining from developing on teeth. It also has antibacterial properties which reduce the chance of developing cavities and gingivitis.
It’s a soap which foams and aids to make toothpaste lather more effectively. It’s a common ingredient in mouthwash and foaming toothpaste as it helps to remove irritants from the mouth and make it more comfortable for people to clean their teeth.
SLS could cause skin irritation especially if it is employed for long periods of time. SLS may cause irritation to those with sensitive skin and people who suffer with rosacea (an inflammation condition that results in swelling, redness, itching and many other signs).
There are concerns over the possible health effects of SLS, including its potential to increase the risk of developing cancer of the throat or oral cavity. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence to support these assertions, they’ve been widely circulated online and continue to be a cause for concern.
Peppermint
In the current season, peppermint is the most popular flavor and toothpaste has been making use of since long. This herb’s breath freshening properties and cool sensation paired with its unique scent make it the ideal flavor for toothpaste.
Peppermint’s menthol is what gives peppermint its fresh, cool, and refreshing taste. Menthol is an antibacterial ingredient which helps to fight off bacteria that cause harm and also reduces bad breath.
Menthol is renowned for its capacity to clean breath and produce a cooling sensation. It’s a good idea to apply peppermint toothpaste if you want to maintain good gums and teeth, since it also helps in preventing cavities through strengthening enamel.
Bob Vogt (Colgate senior flavorist), says that peppermint is a popular choice because of its “slightly sweet flavor” as well as its “lingering coolness”. Peppermint can mask off-flavors from other components.
Historically, mint oil has been used for therapeutic purposes and as a pharmaceutical ingredient, and remains one of the most popular flavors used in mouthwash and toothpaste today. It’s not difficult to understand why: Mint is a common easy-to-find plant that is found in all areas of the world.
The ingredient menthol has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It’s an excellent choice for toothpaste because of its pleasant smell. It is also a great choice for young children as it can help prevent tooth decay.
If you’re interested in exploring a toothpaste with a flavor of peppermint be sure to choose brands that are free from fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate and triclosan. They’ll have the same freshening characteristics and whitening capabilities however, they’re free of any hazardous ingredients in other toothpastes.