DENTICARE

How Does Toothpaste Work?

We all know that daily brushing with toothpaste keeps teeth healthy yet have you ever wondered how your toothpaste works? Understanding the role of individual ingredients will help in choosing an effective toothpaste:

• Abrasive ingredient: All toothpastes contain an abrasive agent which assists in removing food stains & polishing our teeth. Gel & whitening type toothpaste tend to have greater proportions of the abrasive ingredients. Beware while although these often result in a smoother feel than other toothpastes, excessive use, or overly vigorous brushing with these types of toothpastes may wear away tooth enamel.

• Antiseptic ingredient: Some toothpastes will contain an antimicrobial ingredient such as Triclosan which is especially effective in fighting the germs that cause gum disease.

• Remineralizing ingredient: It is vital for a good toothpaste to contain a remineralizing agent. Most commonly used is Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate, these ingredients will help to strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity & prevent decay.

New Tips & Techniques Added Weekly

Check back often as we add new Tips & Techniques. Learn about the current state of dentistry protocol, science and technology as we cover all aspects of modern dentistry. Consider this brief topic sampling:

• Tooth Whitening
• Flossing
• Brushing
• Mouth Washes
• Sugarless Dental Gums
• Periodontal Disease

We here at Denticare are sure you will find our Tips & Techniques series informative and beneficial for long term dental health.

Kids Toothbrush Timer

It takes about two or three minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Buy your child a toothbrush that comes equipped with a timer to assure that she is brushing for more than just a few seconds (see “Resources” for an example). You can also use the timer as a way to gauge whether your child is brushing for the full amount of time. For older kids who own smart phones, look into downloading a Toothbrush Timer App!