Putting The Squeeze On Toothpastes!
Readers should know that brushing at least twice aday with toothpaste is important for several reasons.
First; toothpaste combined with the correct brushing action works to remove plaque (a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on our teeth, and can cause cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled).
Second; a toothpaste containing fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which helps to repair early decay before the damage can even be seen.
Third; special ingredients in the toothpaste help to clean and polish your teeth.
Fourth; toothpaste helps freshen breath and leaves your mouth with aclean feeling.
However, contrary to what all those toothpaste commercials show, the amount of toothpaste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a"heaping" amount. Simply squeeze a "pea-sized" dab of toothpaste on the top half of your toothbrush.
Brush your teeth correctly, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle, and brush inside, outside and inbetween your teeth allowing the toothpaste to foam-up enough to cover the teeth.
As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand you buy really does not matter that much. All toothpastes containing fluoride work effectively to fight plaque and cavities, and clean and polish tooth enamel. Just make sure the toothpaste you choose bears the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) seal of recognition on the package which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in clinical trials.
Toothpastes containing baking soda (which is a good cleansing agent) give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can provide an incentive to brush regularly, but fluoride is still the principal active ingredient at work protecting your teeth.
Remember that brushing with toothpaste alone is not enough to fight cavities and gum disease. Flossing your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and at the gum line is also extremely important.
Clinical studies have shown that plaque can re-grow on clean teeth within as little as 3to 4hours after brushing.
February 15, 2010Dental News0
