Reading through a list of dental ingredients can be a little overwhelming—what do all of these things do, anyway?
Well, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you answer this question! Today we’re reviewing some commonly used ingredients in toothpastes and mouth rinses. We hope that this information help you evaluate your options next time you’re at the drug store.
Cavity Prevention
You’ll find that fluoride, in a number of different forms, pops up in many toothpaste and mouth rinse formulations. This is because fluoride helps to strengthen dental enamel and re-mineralize tooth structure. Fluoride basically makes it more difficult for the bacteria in plaque and tartar to infect your enamel.
Lessen Sensitivity
As dental patients age, dental sensitivity often becomes a more pressing concern. Ingredients like calcium sodium phosphosilicate, potassium salts, and stannous fluoride help to combat sensitive dental nerves, so that patients can chew comfortably.
Abrasive Additions
Mild abrasive agents can help to buff away plaque and tartar. The key is to use materials that are abrasive enough to disrupt entrenched bacteria, but gentle enough so as not to be irritating. You’ll often see calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, silicates, and phosphate salts included in toothpaste formulations for this reason.
Tooth Whitening
Many over the counter toothpastes and mouth rinses now include whitening agents to keep your teeth white and bright. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxides both lighten existing stains gently. These ingredients are effective on environmental stains: those color deposits that have been left behind from foods, drinks, and tobacco products. The whitening agents that are included in toothpastes and mouth rinses are quite mild, so regular use is key in order to see results.
If you have questions about what type of oral hygiene products you should be using, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you make the right decisions. Give us a call to schedule a personal consultation to get started!