Choosing a Toothpaste: More Than Just Mint

When it comes to plaque removal, it’s your toothbrush that does most of the heavy lifting, but toothpaste contributes by removing stains and leaving your mouth fresher. Typically, commercial toothpastes are a concoction of abrasives, foaming agents, water, and binders, with flavor, color, and sweeteners added. They also may contain therapeutic agents such as fluoride or ingredients designed to combat tooth sensitivity. The main difference between gels and pastes is that gels contain more thickeners.

Be Aware of Abrasiveness

An important consideration when choosing toothpaste is its level of abrasiveness. Although you want a toothpaste that will remove stains, high abrasive content and an incorrect brushing technique can lead to permanent tooth damage, particularly around the gum line. Abrasion can also wear away the fragile gum tissue, causing the gums to recede faster.

If you don’t smoke and have few stains, low-abrasive toothpaste is best for you. Although toothpastes are rated by level of abrasiveness, this information isn’t readily available to consumers. However, the ADA issues its seal of approval only to toothpastes that rank in the mild to moderate range on the abrasiveness scale, so you can look for their endorsement to ensure that the toothpaste you choose isn’t too harsh.

Look for Fluoride

Also, choose toothpaste with fluoride. This additive is instrumental in warding off tooth decay. Most brands on the market contain fluoride. Another ingredient, triclosan, is used in some toothpastes to combat gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease. Triclosan is also the key agent in an ever-growing array of antibacterial home, health, and cosmetic products. Environmental activists reignited a decades-old concern over the safety of triclosan, claiming evidence linking the chemical to cancer and other health problems. However, a 2008 review conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency refutes any connection between triclosan and cancer in humans. The agency stated, however, that high concentrations of the substance in lakes and streams from industrial run-off may have an unwanted impact on the environment.

Some toothpastes are designed to reduce hypersensitivity. The ADA has granted approval to several products formulated for this purpose. Some antisensitivity toothpastes contain fluoride as well.

For a Whiter Smile

Toothpaste companies have bombarded the marketplace with toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth. Most major brands have at least one such toothpaste. All toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. However, “whitening” toothpastes that contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance also have chemical or polishing agents that provide added stain-removal power.

Source: Dental Health for Adults: A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums. Copyright © by Harvard University. All rights reserved.