What is toothpaste? 

Toothpaste is usually a gel or paste-like substance that we add to our toothbrushes to assist in cleaning our teeth, gums and tongues. Usually coloured white, toothpaste helps to remove food and plaque from our teeth and also helps keep our breath fresh. 

 

Do I need to use toothpaste? 

While you can get away without using toothpaste once in a blue moon, we highly recommend using toothpaste as part of your twice-daily brushing routine. Most toothpaste contains the following range of elements: 

Fluoride

Abrasives

Flavours

Humectants

Detergents

 

What do these elements do?

 

Flouride

The Australian Dental Association (as well as countless other studies and papers) agree that Flouride is nature's own cavity-fighting superhero. Fluoride is a natural-occurring mineral (also found in a long list of fruits, vegetables and seafood) that helps keep the enamel on your teeth nice and strong. Making them less prone to holes (cavities) and less likely to wear down.

Although you can definitely use non-fluoridated toothpaste (toothpaste without fluoride), we do highly recommend fluoride for its awesome cavity-fighting powers. 

If you are someone who is prone to cavities, your dental clinician might suggest you use high fluoride toothpaste. Please only use a high fluoride toothpaste if directed to do so by your dental clinician and always keep it out of reach of small children.  

 

Abrasives

Abrasives are considered an "inactive ingredient" because although they don't reduce your risk of holes or gum disease, they definitely help remove food and surface stains from the teeth. 

Abrasive ingredients scrub and polish your teeth without causing damage to your tooth's enamel. But make sure you are using a soft toothbrush and aren't brushing too firmly as this can damage your teeth and irritate your gums. 

 

Flavours

Toothpaste obviously goes in the mouth, now fluoride and abrasive ingredients do NOT taste pleasant, so toothpaste companies try to make their products taste as good as possible. Although, some companies take this too far... I have seen (and unfortunately tasted) bacon-flavoured toothpaste and I do NOT recommend it. 

Toothpaste might taste sweet but it doesn't actually contain any sugar, so fear not, it won't cause tooth decay. 

 

Humectants

Humectants are hygroscopic (attracts water) additives that are added to products to keep them from drying out. Examples of humectants are sorbitol, glycol and glycerol.

 

Detergents

The purpose of detergents in your toothpaste is to create a nice foam whilst brushing. This is to ensure the other active ingredients are evenly coating your teeth, gums and tongue. The most commonly used detergent is sodium lauryl sulphate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is sensitive toothpaste?

Sensitive toothpaste is very similar to normal toothpaste, but the key difference is that is contains additives that help to desensitise the sensitive part of your teeth/tooth.

 

How does sensitive toothpaste work?

Sensitive toothpaste works by either covering up the exposed dentinal tubules (kind of like a shield) or by desensitising the nerve endings. 

As most sensitive toothpaste contain fluoride, you can replace your normal toothpaste with the sensitive kind if you find chilly foods, drink and air set them off. 

For specific areas of super-sensitivity, we recommend using sensitive toothpaste like a topical gel and rubbing it on the affected area. 

 

What is whitening toothpaste? 

Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste marketed toward people wanting a whiter smile. They generally include a very small amount of peroxide and usually contain a higher quantity of abrasive ingredients. Whitening toothpaste works by removing the surface stains from teeth, giving the illusion of whiter teeth.

 

Is whitening toothpaste safe?

Whitening toothpaste is perfectly safe for short-term, periodical use. Due to the higher quantity of abrasive ingredients, we highly encourage our patients to use whitening toothpaste sparingly. Tooth whitening (link to tooth whitening services page) options available through a dentist will yield better results for those wanting to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. 

 

 

With so many different types of toothpaste on the market now, with many different brands, active ingredients, and fluoride vs non-fluoride, we understand it can be a bit daunting trying to pick the right one for you and your family. Next time you come in to see Penny for your regular hygiene visit ask which one she would recommend. Book your next appointment online by clicking here or by calling us on 07 5572 6522.