Fluorinated Toothpaste
A toothpaste contains a variety of substances that help your mouth feel fresh and clean. These ingredients also remove the stains on your teeth and stop tooth decay.
There are toothpastes that contain remineralizing substances that help strengthen the enamel of your teeth. These can be abrasive, so it’s important to know which one is right for you and your teeth.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a great way to improve your oral health and keep away cavities. It is found in water, soil, and foods. It’s added to toothpastes and other water sources for a variety of different reasons.
The primary function of this product is to stop tooth decay. It accomplishes this by “remineralizing” and bonding enamel on areas affected, and then attracting more powerful minerals such as calcium. The process results in a brand new hard, stronger, and more resistant enamel, called fluorapatite. It’s also more resistant to acids and bacteria.
This is why this is why the American Dental Association recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice per daily. Your dentist might recommend gels and varnishes with fluoride for extra protection.
There are many options for toothpastes with fluoride. The majority of commercial brands contain at least 1000 parts of million fluoride. 0.221% sodium fluoride or 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate).
It is recommended that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids use a toothpaste that has at least 1000ppm fluoride. To minimize swallowing risk toothpaste must be placed in a small “smear”, using a small toothbrush. The toothpaste should also be slightly angled downward to ensure that any leftover paste is not absorbed through the throat.
However, too much fluoride can cause a condition known as fluorosis. It causes spots or white streaks in the mouth, and even gastrointestinal problems in children who swallow large amounts of toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride has also been shown to cause increased inflammation and altered neurodevelopment in animals and humans.
SLS
The common ingredient for personal and household items is sodium lauryl (SLS). SLS can come from either oil or from natural sources such as coconut oil and palm oil.
SLS acts as a foaming agent employed in toothpastes in order to remove plaque, food particles and other debris that build up on your teeth. SLS also makes the toothpaste’s molecules more slippery so they can penetrate more deeply into the small spaces between your gums and your teeth.
Many toothpastes available that don’t contain SLS. They’ll remove any plaque or grime off your teeth. They will not cause irritation or discomfort while brushing and can also assist in helping retain your fresh breath.
Another major concern about SLS is that it can irritate your mouth, especially the lip skin and tongue. SLS is able to slough off and remove the outer layer of skin cells that line your mouth, making it prone to infection.
SLS could dry out your internal organs, which can cause bad breath and other health issues. SLS-free toothpastes are recommended by dentists.
The SLS could cause fluoride not be as effective, which may result in more tooth decay. SLS may also inhibit certain types of toothpaste’s whitening properties. If you’re allergic to SLS, look for toothpaste made from SLS in a safe and gentle way like Decyl Glucoside or Quillaja triterpenic saponins.
Sodium Hydroxide
The sodium hydroxide, commonly referred to as Lye (used in soap making) or caustic sodium, is a potent cleanser used in toothpastes to neutralise acidity and stop plaque from forming into calculus. It can dry out the mouth, and trigger irritation.
Most often, in lower concentrations and in low amounts, fluoride is the principal ingredient in toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth. Fluoride is gradually absorbed with time. It is the remineralisation agent, which assists to heal damaged areas of the tooth surface and prevent sensitivity from tooth decay.
It is often used with other ingredients, such as hydrated silica in toothpastes to get rid of small stains as well as plaque. The mild abrasive can be gentler on the enamel and dentin in addition to being safer.
It also acts as an anti-septic that helps to prevent gum disease and reduces plaque build-up. The foaming agent boosts the cleaning capacity of toothpaste.
To enhance the effectiveness of your toothpaste and to keep your teeth strong, there are many fluoride-containing ingredients. Stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate are added to toothpaste for children and adults to protect against dental cavities.
Synthetic colours are often added to make toothpaste white, and are also used to add flavour. While they’re safe however, certain synthetic colors such as yellow #5 for instance have been associated with an increase in anxiety and hyperactivity among children.
The parabens and sorbitols are two other substances to stay clear of. These substances are believed to disrupt hormones and can be absorbed by the body, causing problems.
Rather than using these products instead, try alternative natural ingredients like Stevia and xylitol to enhance the sweetness of your toothpaste. The xylitol ingredient is a natural sugar alcohol that has been shown to prevent the decay of teeth and boost saliva. This can assist to reduce bacteria within your mouth.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
The most sought-after ingredients in toothpastes is sodium lauryl, sometimes referred to SLS. It can be made synthetically or naturally and gives many products a foamy, bubbly consistency.
SLS is a form of surfactant. This means it lowers the surface tension between water and oil molecules for them to bond and move debris like grease and dirt. It’s also a foaming agent which helps make products more lather and makes it easier for consumers to distribute the product throughout their mouths.
SLS is used in the production of toothpaste because it helps dissolve plaque, and also prevents staining. SLS also has antibacterial properties, helping to reduce the chance of getting cavities or gingivitis.
It’s also a good detergent as well as a foaming agent which means that toothpaste can get more lather and produces a more effective cleansing result. It’s an ingredient that is widely used in mouthwash and foaming toothpaste as it helps in removing irritants from your mouth, and makes it more comfortable for people to brush their teeth.
The only downside to making use of SLS is that it could cause irritation to the skin, particularly when it’s used for longer periods. SLS can be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin as well as people who suffer with rosacea (an skin condition of inflammation which results in swelling, redness itching and other manifestations).
SLS has been associated with an increased risk of oral and throat cancers. There is no research-based evidence to support the claims made, they have been extensively circulated on the internet and are still a issue.
Peppermint
Peppermint is the most popular flavor of this season and is used for a long time in toothpaste. Its unique taste and breath freshening qualities of this plant make it an ideal flavor for toothpaste.
The menthol in peppermint is what provides peppermint with its refreshing, cool sensation. Menthol is an antibacterial ingredient which helps to fight off harmful bacteria and reduces bad breath.
Menthol is known for its ability to freshen breath and produce a cooling sensation. Peppermint toothpaste is a great choice if you are looking to maintain the health of your gums and teeth. It can help strengthen the enamel and keep teeth from dental decay.
Bob Vogt (Colgate senior flavorist) Bob Vogt (Colgate senior flavorist) says peppermint is one of the most popular flavors because of its “slightly sweet flavor” and “lingering cooling sensation”. Peppermint may mask off the flavors of other components.
Historically, mint oil was used for centuries to treat ailments and also as a pharmaceutical ingredient, and is one of the most sought-after flavorings in mouthwash and toothpaste in the present. You can see why. Mint oil is an easy to grow, widespread plant that is found in all regions of the globe.
The breath freshening and odor-reducing properties make it a great choice for toothpaste, but it also comes with antibacterial, antioxidant and other properties that can aid in fighting gingivitis, plaque and bad breath. It’s also a good option for children’s toothpaste since it may help in preventing tooth decay.
If you’re thinking of exploring a toothpaste with a flavor of peppermint make sure you choose ones that don’t contain fluoride, sodium lauryl-sulfate as well as the triclosan. They’ll provide the same breath-freshening properties and whitening abilities but with none of the harmful ingredients found in other toothpastes.