Huntersville, NC Dentist

With our grocery stores and drugstores filled with so many toothpaste brands, picking out the best toothbrush for your pearly whites can be one of the most perplexing consumer dilemmas there are. Should you reach for the toothpaste which promises tartar control? Or should you go for the one which has the higher fluoride content? And what about the emerging trend of using natural ingredients? With so many questions you may have in mind, what should your criteria be in picking out the most appropriate toothpaste for you?

Toothpaste Ingredients

In order for you to make the most well-informed decision, you need to evaluate every single ingredient which goes into the tube of toothpaste that you plan to purchase. While every brand comes up with a unique combination of ingredients, here are some of the basics:

Abrasives

These agents scratch into the enamel of your teeth and are used to remove bacteria, food debris as well as remove stains that might be trapped within the enamel region of the teeth. Examples of abrasives include calcium carbonates and silicates.

Humectants

This toothpaste agent is placed into the formulation in order to prevent the toothpaste from drying up. Glycerol is one example of a moisture retention agent.

Detergents

Detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate are used in order to induce the production of suds when you start brushing your teeth.

Flavoring

The most common flavor that toothpastes have is mint but flavors like bubblegum, cinnamon and lemon-lime are also used in toothpastes, especially those which are specifically marketed for kids. Since sugar encourages the growth of bacteria which would lead to more cavities and tooth decay, it makes sense that toothpaste manufacturers use a special kind of sweetener called saccharin.

Fluoride Toothpastes

Of all the different components of toothpastes, the most important ingredient would have to be fluoride. Fluoride is important in the re-mineralization of teeth crystals which is needed to reverse the development of cavities and prevent tooth decay.

Tartar Control Toothpastes

This kind of toothpaste is recommended in individuals who are at risk for gum diseases or already have some degree of gingivitis. Tartar is plaque which has been allowed to settle for 72 hours and accumulates along the gum line. Tartar is toxic to gum tissues and can cause a slow but constant degeneration. Pyrophosphates and zinc citrate are known components that prevent tartar build-up while triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that also limits bacterial growth which tartar is known for.

If you are unsure if you are using the right type of toothpaste, ask Tate C. Langdon in Huntersville, NC which brand is best suited for your mouth.

Visit Dr. Tate C. Langdon, your dentist in Huntersville, NC, to talk about the perfect toothpaste for you.

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