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ToothPaste
What Is The Most Effective Toothpaste?
Advertising can be a seductive force! This statement is especially true with respect to dentifrices (toothpastes). The proliferation of specialty toothpastes over the last 5 years has clogged pharmacy shelves and confused many consumers. This product diversification helped American toothpaste sales exceed 1.4 billion dollars in 1994, according to Information Resources Incorporated. Advertisements suggest that we need a tartar control toothpaste for removing tartar, a whitening toothpaste to brighten teeth, and even a gum care toothpaste to prevent gum disease. Is this all true?
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). So, what is the most effective toothpaste?
Answer: 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. I elaborate on different types of toothpastes in the sections below.
Tartar control toothpastes:
Most studies suggest that tartar control toothpastes do not remove tartar. They do seem to prevent the accumulation of additional tartar, however. They do not reduce the tartar that forms below the gum line, which is the area where tartar can cause gum disease. This is why it is important for your dentist or hygienist to perform regular professional cleanings. Many companies, including Procter & Gamble, are currently working to formulate a tartar control dentifrice that also fights plaque and gingivitis.
Toothpastes vs. gels:
While gels may seem less abrasive than pastes, this is not the case. Actually, gels can be more abrasive because of the silica (sand) used to make them. However, both are safe, effective cleaners -- use whichever type you prefer.
Gum care toothpastes:
Gum Care toothpastes have questionable efficacy. This type of paste contains stannous fluoride as opposed to sodium fluoride found in other types of paste. While some studies show stannous fluoride may be helpful in reducing the incidence of gingivitis (a reversible form of gum disease), it has also been suggested that stannous fluoride is not as effective in protecting against cavities as sodium fluoride. Any toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended over non-fluoridated pastes.
Baking soda toothpastes:
Baking Soda toothpastes have mounted an incredible comeback in recent years. I have not seen any conclusive studies that prove baking soda toothpastes significantly reduce cavities compared to other toothpastes. Some people enjoy the taste and feel of baking soda or mint toothpastes. The attractive taste of baking soda and mint toothpastes may encourage people to brush longer. This is advantageous. However, many baking soda toothpastes may also contain peroxides which can irritate and damage gum tissue. These peroxide formulas can be dangerous. Advertisers have conditioned people to believe that the fizzing action of the combined baking soda and peroxide clean teeth. People think they are getting extra cleaning action from the bubbling activity but there is no scientifically proven therapeutic activity! The American Dental Association (ADA) believes that the current levels of peroxide in toothpaste are safe. Still, peroxide toothpastes are controversial. Peroxide toothpastes are not sold in Canada.
Abrasive "smoker's" toothpastes:
These toothpastes are not recommended as they can cause recession of the gums and abrasion (slow removal) of tooth structure. The best way to rid your teeth of smoking stains is to quit smoking and then have a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth:
About 20 percent of all adults will experience sensitive teeth during their lifetime. You should have any sensitivity checked by your dentist first to be sure it is not a symptom of a more serious problem. Sensitive toothpastes work for the 80-85 percent of the population that regularly brush with them. Generally, they are needed when a patient has had gum recession, thereby exposing the root of the tooth. Once this exposure occurs, a tooth can be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or sweet and sour foods. Sensodyne is the major brand on the market. Now, many more brands are jumping on the bandwagon. Some brands use different ingredients, including potassium nitrate, sodium citrate or strontium, as their desensitizing agents. If one brand does not reduce sensitivity, try a different brand.
Whitening toothpastes:
Again, one must be careful when using these dentifrices due to their abrasivity. These should not be used exclusively but should be incorporated into a routine using a fluoride paste. Do not use a whitening paste every time you brush; use it only once every day or two. Certain brands can be more abrasive than others. Brands with sodium pyrophosphate are very abrasive. Rembrandt is one of the least abrasive whitening toothpastes. I question the effectiveness of whitening toothpastes. Some people claim to notice a brightening of tooth color, while others notice no change. This difference is partly due to variety in diet and tooth structure among people. If you are serious about whitening your teeth, you should discuss various options, including bleaching, with your dentist.
Bleaching kits:
It is highly recommended that you have your teeth whitened under the supervision of a qualified dentist. The "at home" bleaching kits available over the counter in many drug stores can be dangerous. The trays that contain the bleaching agent are not custom made which often causes leakage of the peroxide or other whitening agent. Gum tissue can be irritated or damaged by these kits.
The take home message:
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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