On the market you can find different types of toothpastes to choose from. Everything is fine It has its own ingredients and has particular characteristics. making them ideal for different situations.
Most perform the function of facilitating brushing to eliminate plaque bacteria and prevent tooth decay. But in addition, there are components that will make some more effective in preventing stains, controlling the formation of tartar or reducing bacterial growth.
The truth is that toothpaste It is a very important element when it comes to taking care of oral health. Choosing the most appropriate one for your oral condition is essential to obtain the expected results.
In this article we talk about the 8 types of toothpastes that are used most frequently. Taking into account the particularities of each, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Types of toothpastes
Toothpaste is a hygiene product made up of several chemical components. Its use as a complement to tooth brushing makes it an indispensable part of oral health care.
Most toothpastes contain sodium and fluoride in their composition, elements that protect the enamel. In addition, they usually contain xylitol to give them a pleasant taste and at the same time prevent tooth decay.
There are multiple brands, presentations and flavors. The use of special components in its composition means that there are several types of toothpastes.
This means that There are ideal products to meet the different needs of patients. But when it comes to choosing, you might feel confused by so many options.
Read on and discover the characteristics of the different types of toothpastes and when it is recommended to use each one.
1. Anti-caries toothpaste
Most commonly used toothpastes have the function of prevent tooth decay. This protective ability It is awarded for the fluorine content in its composition.
This element strengthens and remineralizes the teeth. Furthermore, it interferes with bacterial growth, reducing the formation and accumulation of plaque on the teeth.
There are toothpastes with a higher fluoride content than those commonly sold. The same must be prescribed by the dentist which will indicate how and how often to apply the product.
In this case it is a toothpaste that is used from time to time in patients at high risk of caries. It is a reinforcement in tissue protection to avoid demineralization.
2. Anti-calculation
This is another of the types of toothpastes that are quite common to find in pharmacies and shops. Its active ingredients are usually zinc citrate, pyrophosphate or sodium hexametaphosphate.
Its function is they help prevent the formation and accumulation of tartar on the tooth surfaces and gingival. This type of paste is ideal for those patients who tend to form a lot of tartar, who have crowding or areas that are difficult to brush.
In any case, you must know that if there is already hardened tartar in the mouth, the product will not be able to remove it. If so, your dentist will need to remove it with a dental cleaning.
3. Anti-plaque paste
Among the different types of toothpastes on the market, anti-plaque It is characterized by its antimicrobial action. Its function is to prevent the accumulation of bacterial plaque and toxins on oral surfaces.
In this way it is a product that prevents tooth decay and protects the gums. It is very useful in patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action.
Among its main ingredients they are chlorhexidine, triclosan, hexidine and zinc citrate. Some even have essential oils with antibacterial effects.
Chlorhexidine has the particularity of staining the mucous membranes or teeth and altering the taste if used for a long time. For this reason, although these pastes are freely available, it is best to use them only if recommended by your dentist. The professional will indicate the appropriate way to use them, specifying the frequency and time of use.
Triclosan is another of the components that must be used with caution, as its excessive use could be harmful to health. Some laboratories have even stopped making toothpastes with this product. controversialBut the dentist may deem it appropriate for some cases.
4. Whitening toothpastes
Due to the great concern for physical appearance that exists today, this is one of the types of toothpastes that has gained the most popularity in recent times. Well, it’s a product that helps prevent stains on the teeth and gives them a cleaner appearance.
Its composition includes chemicals and soft abrasives that allow you to remove surface stains from your teeth and give them a whiter appearance. In any case, you should know that the effects of this type of product are very subtle and sometimes the patient does not notice any change.
Having abrasive substances, much more aggressive than those found in usual toothpastes, its prolonged use can be harmful to the teeth. He Wear of the enamel or the appearance of dental sensitivity are some of the risks that this type of product could cause.
If what you are looking for is to get a white smile, it is advisable to carry out a dental treatment for this purpose. The materials used in the office are much more concentrated and therefore more effective.
With professional whitening stains can be removed and the shade of the teeth lightened. The patient will notice a change in the appearance of their teeth and will be sure that the right products are being used for their mouth.
Whitening toothpastes serve more to help preserve the effects of previous whitening or prevent future stains from forming. In any case, given the content of abrasives and chemical products which can be very aggressive for the mouth, it is advisable to use them sparingly.
5. Pastes for tooth sensitivity
Toothpastes for tooth sensitivity usually contain potassium nitrate or arginine. This items helps reduce the feeling of discomfort in the teeth which is produced in contact with cold, heat or sweets.
Its action consists in causing a sealing of the exposed micropores of the dentin, connected to the dental pulp, which cause the painful reaction to stimuli. In any case, the sensitivity can be caused by another cause, so it is best to go to the dentist before using this product.
6. No fluoride
As we have already mentioned, almost all types of toothpastes contain fluoride in their composition. This is due to the cavity protection this item provides.
But there are fluoride-free toothpastes on the market. to meet certain specific needs. For example, there are people with systemic conditions, such as hypothyroidism, who may be told to avoid using products that contain fluoride.
There are also cases of patients who prefer to do without the protective effect of this element for fear of its toxicity. The use of fluoride toothpaste externally and in the appropriate doses does not pose a health risk. However, there are people who prefer to avoid mineral and this type of toothpaste is suitable for them.
7. Organic
Organic toothpastes, also called by the label herbal, are those whose ingredients are natural. For its preparation, essential oils and elements that come from nature are used. It should be noted that, in general, they do not contain fluoride.
They are an option for patients who decide to use biological and non-industrial products. Even for those who show up sensitivity to the ingredients of conventional toothpastes.
8. Children
Children’s toothpastes are similar to those commonly used by adults, but with a lower concentration of fluoride. In order to use the toothpaste safely, the quantity of the mineral is varied, so that it has the recommended dose for the little ones.
Adults should monitor the amount of fluoride in pasta. There are different opinions on the ideal concentration for each age. It is advisable to consult the pediatric dentist regarding the product indicated for each child. Although in general terms it is suggested to look for a product with 1000ppm (parts per million) of the mineral.
Moreover, Parents should take care to administer the toothpaste correctly in each brushing, according to the age of the child. At the beginning, from 0 to 2 years, a small spot should be placed on the brush, less than a grain of rice. When the little one learns to spit, around the age of 3, the dosage changes to a portion the size of a pea.
It is important that the child spits out the toothpaste after brushing his teeth, as too much intake increases the risk of fluorosis. Adults should clean their mouths from the time your child is a toddler until they can do it on their own, which is around ages 6 and 8. The technique and use of the toothpaste should therefore continue to be supervised.
The presentations of pasta for children are varied, being able to choose different flavors and choose containers with children’s characters. This It can be a motivation for the child to engage in oral health care.
Find the perfect pasta
As you have seen, there are many types of toothpastes and Their ingredients make them ideal for use in different situations. When choosing your toothpaste you should consider some aspects, such as your age, if you eat a lot of foods that stain your teeth, if your gums bleed frequently or if you are sensitive.
Also, you should read about the ingredients that the product has and its indications. Unless you’re looking for the opposite, the ideal is to make sure the pasta contains fluoride and xylitol; this will help prevent tooth decay.
It is important that you take this into account the product has a seal of approval, like that in American Dental Association. This allows you to trust that it is a safe option.
Toothpastes complement tooth brushing and help maintain hygiene. But if you suffer from tooth decay, have tartar, your gums are bleeding or you have stains on your teeth, you will need treatment at the dentist.
Regular visits to the dentist will help keep your mouth healthy. Likewise, it is a good opportunity to clarify all doubts about the different types of toothpastes and which one is the most appropriate for taking care of your mouth.
No matter which option you choose, your toothpaste should comfort you enough to want to use it every day. This way, the product will achieve its main objective, which is to help you maintain your dental hygiene and take care of your mouth.
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