Removing bacteria that build up on teeth every 12-24 hours by brushing your teeth, helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. None of us would think of leaving the house before brushing with favorite toothpaste – but what’s in this substance we put in our mouths several times a day? And can toothpaste really do what they claim?
The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on dental product labels mean that the manufacturer’s claims have been independently verified. If you don’t see the seal, you might want to take a closer look at the ingredients lists.
Here are some things to look for:
- Abrasives: In order to scrub off stains, you need a substance with a little graininess. Abrasives you may find include hydrated silica, hydrated alumina, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphates. None of these materials would have any cleaning effect without the scrubbing action of the toothbrush.
- Detergents: Toothpaste foams because it contains a detergent. The purpose is to loosen and break down substances on your teeth that otherwise wouldn’t be soluble.
- Fluoride: First introduced into toothpaste in 1914, fluoride is arguably the most valuable component in toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
- Flavoring: Toothpaste would taste pretty bad without the addition of flavoring agents, which is why you always find various natural and artificial flavorings.
