- How to choose toothpaste
Q: How to choose the toothpaste that suits you?
A: The main function of toothpaste is to assist the #cleaning ability of the toothbrush, using fine abrasive paste to remove tartar and plaque from the tooth surface.
In addition to the main ingredients, toothpaste also adds different additional ingredients according to different "functions". Different types of toothpastes commonly available on the market include tooth decay prevention, sensitivity removal, whitening efficacy and prevention periodontal disease.
- Types of toothpaste
Q: What types of toothpaste are there?
A: The types of adult toothpaste on the market can generally be divided into: cavity-preventing, anti-sensitivity, preventing dental plaque buildup on the tooth surface, as well as toothpaste with whitening and reducing oral odor functions.
First, most toothpastes contain several basic ingredients: moisturizers, abrasives, surfactants, adhesives, and preservatives.
Some toothpastes claim to help reduce oral odor by containing edible flavorings and air fresheners, leaving a brief, fresh fragrance after cleaning.
Or to encourage children to brush their teeth, special flavors of toothpastes have been introduced, such as sweeteners made from saccharin.
- Cavity prevention toothpaste
Q: How to choose toothpaste for cavity prevention?
A: You can choose toothpaste that contains "fluoride." Usually, the main ingredients will be listed on the toothpaste packaging or box, clearly indicating the components and the total fluoride content. According to clinical research and the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the fluoride concentration in toothpaste needs to be above 1000 ppm to effectively prevent cavities.
However, it should be noted that higher concentration is not necessarily better, because excessive use can lead to fluoride poisoning. More importantly, maintaining the habit of brushing teeth after meals and before bed is the best way to protect your teeth.
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- Sharing correct knowledge about "sensitive teeth"
Q: What are sensitive teeth?
A: Simply put, it is not dental discomfort caused by tooth decay, pulp inflammation, periodontal disease, or trauma, but rather due to environmental stimuli, leading to hypersensitive reactions of the dentin or tooth roots, and such phenomena are collectively referred to as 'sensitive teeth.' Typically, physical factors include consuming foods that are significantly cold, hot, acidic, or sweet, or being exposed to cold air, causing tooth soreness.
Sensitivity is usually divided into two types: congenital tooth sensitivity and acquired sensitivity caused by enamel damage and gingival recession. Improper brushing force, habitual teeth grinding during sleep, severe gastroesophageal reflux, or bulimia can all lead to enamel damage and gingival recession, causing sensitive teeth.
- Anti-sensitivity toothpaste
Q: How should I choose the anti-sensitivity toothpaste that suits me?
A: To choose the anti-sensitivity toothpaste that suits you, you first need to understand the cause of your tooth sensitivity to address it appropriately. The causes include:
1. Gum recession due to age or brushing too vigorously, exposing the tooth root or dentin surface, causing stimulation without accompanying gum inflammation or bleeding.
2. Frequent and large intake of acidic or #sugar-containing drinks, or gastroesophageal reflux, causes gingival recession, root exposure, or severe enamel damage, exposing dentin tubules and causing sensitivity.
3. #Gum inflammation, periodontal disease leading to tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
4. #Deep cavities, or tooth nerve inflammation causing tooth pain.
The ingredients and effects of toothpaste choices may vary depending on the above conditions, and different recommendations may apply.
Basically, items 3 and 4 are related to dental diseases, and no toothpaste can cure them; professional treatment by a dentist is necessary.
Therefore, it is recommended to have a #dentist examine and diagnose before buying toothpaste, to clarify the root cause of your sensitivity issues, rather than blindly believing toothpaste advertisements.