What is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is considered a preventative product used for cleaning your teeth. If used regularly, it helps to prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Toothpaste comes in paste, gel, and powder forms but they all include similar ingredients that allow it to work efficiently.

• Abrasives - Toothpaste's most important job is to remove the unwanted plaque and buildup from the surface of your teeth. Though "abrasives" sounds like a harsh term, advances in technology have helped us to create gentle ingredients that can efficiently and safely do their job.

• Detergent - Detergents aren't just used for laundering your clothing. Detergents in toothpaste help to create foam, which aids in moving the particles off your teeth that water alone can not do.

• Fluoride - Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen your tooth's enamel and makes them more resistant to decay. Though fluoride has very important benefits, ingesting too much can be a negative thing. Closely supervising small children so they do not swallow too much toothpaste while brushing can keep them safe.

• Humectants - Humectants help toothpaste retain its moisture and keep it from drying out. These substances are essential since your toothpaste tube is open and closed multiple times a day. In the event you accidentally leave your toothpaste tube open all day, humectants will keep it from becoming hard and crusty.

• Flavor - Toothpaste comes in all sorts of flavors, such as cinnamon, mint, and bubblegum. The flavors are scientifically created to taste and smell great, but do not include sugar or other components that could cause tooth decay.

Types of Toothpaste & Their Benefits

Whether you visit a pharmacy, corner store, or grocery store, the toothpaste selection is vast. There are general options and ones catered to specific needs, each providing their own set of benefits beyond their cleaning power.

• Anti-Cavity - One of the most common types of toothpaste are anti-cavity options. The fluoride in these toothpastes gives more nutrients to damaged teeth and helps to strengthen enamel. Preventing tooth decay and acid buildup in your mouth help to keep your teeth healthy and happy for years to come.

• Tartar Control - Tartar usually collects near your gum line, hardening over time and increasing your risk for gingivitis. Tartar control toothpaste has fluoride that can help eliminate the plaque that leads to tartar buildup.

• Whitening - Gentle abrasives are added to help remove the surface stains on your teeth. Whitening toothpastes will not change the color of your teeth, but removing surface stains can help to brighten your smile! However, whitening toothpastes are not ideal for people who suffer from tooth sensitivity and have the potential to cause sensitivity that did not exist prior to use.

• Sensitive - If your tooth's enamel is damaged, it could cause sensitivity to hot and cold. There is a specific compound of toothpaste that is for sensitive teeth that helps to avoid discomfort by adding a protective layer on your teeth. These toothpastes help to desensitize your teeth and help to make eating and drinking more enjoyable.

• Natural - Natural toothpastes are created without using artificial ingredients. However, most natural toothpastes do not include fluoride, which is essential for fighting cavities. 

• Children's - Anyone under the age of 12 should be using children's toothpaste. It is specially formulated for "baby teeth" and is not harmful if swallowed because it contains less fluoride than adult options. Children's toothpaste is also created in fun flavors with enticing packaging, helping your kids get excited about brushing!

Unsure What Type of Toothpaste to Choose?

When you visit Solon Smiles for your bi-annual dental services, discuss your needs and concerns with our professionals! With years of knowledge and experience, we can help you choose the right type of toothpaste that will benefit your teeth and help to maintain your oral health. Please don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve the Solon, Chagrin Falls and Twinsburg, OH areas.