1) To Fight Cavities
Many research studies confirm and continue to reinforce that fluoride toothpaste is more effective compared to non-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride protects the teeth by strengthening the enamel and can re-mineralize caries like enamel lesions
Colgate Total carries the seal of approval from the ADA as it incorporates fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. In addition, Colgate Total has another anti-biotic ingredient triclosan, which helps to kill the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
2) For Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity occurs with when there is open exposure of the ‘dentin’, or the softer part of your tooth that is layered under the enamel. Dentin has fluid-filled tubules of nerve endings. When fluid moves, the nerve endings react in response, which causes the distinctive sharp pain. Blowing air, eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things can cause this fluid to move
Using a sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste treats and protects against sensitivity. “The potassium ions in Sensodyne toothpaste builds a protective barrier that blocks the pain caused by pain stimuli,”
However, a recently new oral product called Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Desensitizing Paste has Pro-Argin technology which claims to provide instant sensitivity relief after one application. The Pro-Argin Technology effectively plugs and seals open dentin tubules when polished into teeth with a rotary cup.
3) To Whiten Teeth
Patients continue to increase their demand for products that whiten teeth. As time passes, teeth may become discolored and stained from various causes such as drinking alcohol or coffee, eating certain foods, and smoking tobacco. Specific peroxide-based bleaching pastes and gels are used to improve intrinsic tooth color or remove and prevent extrinsic tooth stain. Whitening toothpaste may commonly include special abrasives that gently polish the teeth and sodium tripolyphosphate to help break down or dissolve stains.
However, some whitening toothpastes may be highly potent with abrasive agents, which can harm the enamel if used too often. When choosing whitening toothpaste, you want to consider active ingredients, effectiveness and safety.
Whitening toothpaste does not change the natural color of teeth or reverse discoloration. It merely whitens the teeth slightly by removing surface stains. It is highly recommended to seek whitening treatment in a dental office rather than use toothpaste products. Nevertheless, ADA sealed toothpastes such as Crest’s Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste is safe and effective in helping to whiten teeth by removing surface stains, when used as directed
4) To Relieve Dry Mouth
Xerostomia is the medical term for having a dry mouth due to lack of saliva. Having a dry mouth is an uncomfortable and unhealthy condition that should be treated and improved.
Xerostomia increases the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath since the lack of saliva leaves the mouth unprotected. It is very common among adults and is generally caused by, but not limited to: side effects of medications, allergies, sleep apnea, snoring, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Dry mouth persists by dehydrating the body with smoking, ingesting caffeine or alcohol. Age and menopause also decrease how much saliva we produce. Treatment of xerostomia relies on the diagnosis so it is best to seek the advice of your dentist and a multidisciplinary team of doctors.
Research does show how the use of toothpaste and mouthwash based on triclosan, fluoride, gingival revitalizers and mineral salts improves the symptoms of patients who suffer from dry mouth
Toothpastes such as Biotene Dry Mouth may improve dry mouth, but it certainly does not cure xerostomia completely.
5) To Relieve Bad Breath
Halitosis is when unpleasant odors are released from breathing. Oral malodor may be one of the top three reasons why patients seek dental visits, following after concerns over dental caries and periodontal disease (Loesche & Kazor, 2002). Bad breath can result from poor dental health habits and may also be a sign of other health problems such as yeast infection, dry mouth, diabetes, or pneumonia. If you do not follow oral regimens daily, bacterial will grow between your teeth, on your tongue and around your gums from eating.
Persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of gum disease and it is important to make a visit to your local Periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Studies have consistently shown that toothpastes containing zinc ions help to reduce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and oral malodor .
Stannous-containing toothpastes show statistically significant reduction of bad breath
. Of course, understanding the cause of your bad breath and making changes to medications or habits will help to relieve halitosis. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is formulated toothpaste containing stabilized stannous fluoride, which kills bacteria associated with plaque and gingivitis.