Are Toothpastes Different??

A research site by Michael Powers

We hear a great deal of hype from toothpaste companies, all claiming to be better than their competition. So let’s see what we can find to determine if there is any truth to their claims…

Toothpaste is not a relatively modern phenomena. In fact, as long ago as 3000-5000 BC Egyptians made a toothpaste like dental cream by mixing powdered ashes of oxen hooves with myrrh, burned egg shells, pumice, and water. Unfortunately, these early Egyptians didn't have toothbrushes but used chew sticks to apply their dental cream.

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How do they clean?

Abrasives: Abrasives give toothpaste its cleaning power. They remove stains and plaque, as well as polish teeth. Common abrasives include calcium phosphates, alumina, calcium carbonate, and silica. Toothpaste should be abrasive enough to remove plaque and stains, but not abrasive enough to damage tooth enamel.

Unfortunately, some toothpastes are too abrasive, and do damage tooth enamel. This leads to tooth sensitivity. Damaged tooth enamel also causes yellowing as the thinned enamel reveals the yellowish dentin layer below. Over the years, manufacturers have been quietly reducing the abrasiveness of their toothpastes. Consumers should look for these less abrasive toothpastes

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What different types are. What makes them different?

Whitening Toothpastes

Brushing with these toothpastes is only slightly more effective on superficial stains than using regular toothpaste or chewing sugarless gum. However, if you've already bleached your teeth, using a whitening toothpaste may keep them white longer. These products generally contain a very low concentration of peroxide (less than 1 percent); some have baking soda, too. The combination may leave your mouth feeling squeaky clean, but the bleach is too weak to lighten teeth much, especially since it is on them only for as long as it takes to brush. If you're going to try a whitening toothpaste, some dentists recommend alternating it with a regular one to cut down on your exposure to free radicals from the peroxide. Whitening toothpastes cost about the same as regular brands, around $2 or $3 per tube.

Bleaching Toothpastes

A few new "bleaching" toothpastes contain up to 10 percent peroxide. These pastes are meant to be brushed in and then left on your teeth for five minutes, twice a day. But much of the bleach gets washed away by saliva, so they're probably not much more effective than less concentrated products. What's more, the American Dental Association has not approved them as safe, and they cost about $10 a tube. If your teeth start to feel sensitive after using a bleaching toothpaste, stop using it and see your dentist to make sure you haven't damaged your enamel.

Drugstore Bleaching Kits

These kits generally work for moderately stained teeth. You squirt a bit of 10 to 16 percent peroxide gel into a mouth tray (called a night guard) that you wear over your upper and lower teeth for a few hours a day. Most people see a difference after two weeks of treatment, and the effect can last as long as three years. But be warned that the ADA has not approved these products, and the acidic gel may erode your enamel and dental work or nauseate you if you swallow too much of it. Also, your teeth may be especially sensitive to temperature for a few weeks afterward. Using a home bleaching kit for more than three weeks can seriously damage your teeth. They're not recommended for pregnant women. You can find the kits at drugstores for $10 to $15. Recently, a new line teeth whitening kits was introduced. They use a narrow peroxide tape that adheres to your teeth. Costs are $35 to $40 a kit. http://www.saveyoursmile.com/toothpaste/toothpaste-a.html

So are the differences important, or even significant?

Many toothpastes share common ingredients. The average toothpaste is about 75umectant and water, 20% abrasive (silica or powdered calcium), 1-2 foaming and flavoring agents, 1-2 0x80ca210H buffers, 1-1.5oloring agents, binders and opacifiers, and 0.1-0.3 0.000000luoride. Most fluoride toothpastes contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride or monofluoride phosphate (MFP).

Any toothpaste that contains fluoride and is applied to the teeth correctly is an effective cavity preventative. However, there are other factors to consider when using a toothpaste! The truth is that there may not be one single brand of toothpaste that is the best.

So what is BEST? And what should you use?

In general, any toothpaste will work well for you if it contains fluoride. Fluoride actually strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. It is perhaps the most important ingredient in toothpaste.

It is important to note that while effective in removing stains, some brands of whitening toothpastes can destroy tooth enamel in the process. Due to their harsh abrasives, these toothpastes, over time, may strip tooth enamel, making teeth appear yellow and causing teeth to become sensitive to cold or hot foods and liquids, sweets, baking soda, and highly salted foods.

What to do, what to do??

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes at least twice a day using a soft bristled toothbrush. Most people only brush their teeth for about 20 seconds on average! Your toothpaste should also bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence for safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials. The mechanical action employed using the proper brushing technique is more important than the brand of toothpaste you purchase. Contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of toothpaste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning should only be pea-sized. Flossing at least once a day is also very important because it removes food and plaque from between teeth where even the best toothbrush and toothpaste are ineffective. Studies suggest that plaque (bacteria) regrow on clean teeth about 4 hours after brushing. Brush and floss regularly!

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