Why do we use Toothpaste? | Riverside General Dentist

Have you ever wondered why we use toothpaste? You already recognize the importance of looking after your teeth which includes brushing them twice a day. Brushing along with flossing will not only remove food debris and plaque but will also protect your teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. Toothpaste cleans the teeth, protects them against tooth decay, and keeps them looking healthy and attractive to look at as well. It also ensures that your breath is nice and fresh as well.

Brushing with toothpaste is important for many reasons:

1- Toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled.

2- Toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen.

3- Special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time.

4- Toothpastes help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.

Your toothpaste should contain fluoride, the brand you buy really does not matter, neither does whether or not it is in paste, gel or even powder form, or containing a certain flavor. All fluoride toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth enamel. Your toothpaste brand should bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.
 
If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold, consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These desensitizing toothpastes, which contain strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, protect exposed dentin by blocking the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves. Toothpastes containing baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Some prefer a tartar-control toothpaste containing pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up on their teeth. New pastes offer advanced whitening formulas aimed at safely removing stains to make teeth brighter and shinier, although they can’t nearly match the effectiveness of a professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist.

To make an appointment, please contact Dr. Gerald Middleton at (951) 470-3379 or visit our website: www.gmdental.com

Dr. Middleton welcomes patients from, San Bernardino, Redlands and Lake Elsinore.

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