Toothpastes

Brushing and toothpaste together can be effective at removing plaque.(Know Your Teeth - Infobites - Why is Brushing With Toothpaste Important?, n.d.) Different ingredients in toothpastes such as fluoride can help to protect the teeth against the development of cavities. All toothpastes contain ingredients that will help to remove plaque and enhance the freshness of the breath.

All toothpastes contain the below ingredients that help to make the toothpaste safe and effective.

• Abrasives: Abrasives are found in toothpastes to help remove food, bacteria and some stains.

• Flavoring: This is added to toothpastes to enhance the flavor and make the toothpaste taste pleasant for the user. Most flavoring agents added to toothpastes are artificial sweeteners

• Humectants: This helps prevent the toothpaste from drying out

• Detergents: Sodium lauryl sulfate is added to toothpaste to create effervescence.

Choosing toothpaste:

While choosing toothpaste it is important to look for the ADA seal of approval. A toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval means that the product has been evaluated by "scientific experts and has been proven to be safe and effective." (Toothpaste Options: Fluoride Toothpaste, Whitening Toothpaste, Tartar Control Toothpaste, and More, n.d.)

References

(1) Know Your Teeth - Infobites - Search By Keyword, Letter or Phrase - 1-877-2X-A-YEAR (1-877-292-9327) - Why is Brushing With Toothpaste Important?. (n.d.). Know Your Teeth - Find a General Dentist Near You and Dental Information - 1-877-2X-A-YEAR (1-877-292-9327). Retrieved December 8, 2011, from http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=B&iid=291&aid=1134

(2) Toothpaste Options: Fluoride Toothpaste, Whitening Toothpaste, Tartar Control Toothpaste, and More. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved December 8, 2011, from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/weighing-your-toothpaste-options