Types of Toothpaste
Toothpaste for adults
The majority of toothpastes combine the caries protection of fluoride with other agents to control plaque, tartar and gum disease. These can help individuals to improve their plaque control by the inclusion of antibacterial agents. Many include Triclosan and those with a product licence have been shown to offer a clinically useful improvement in gum health.
Other pastes specifically target 'tartar' and use phyrosphosphate to inhibit the calcification of dental plaque and hence the build-up of tartar (calculus).The most recent approach has been the development of 'all in one' toothpaste containing a number of agents which reduce tartar formation, improve gum health and prevent dental caries. It is important to verify that these new toothpastes have been 'clinically proven' by seeking information from dental public health personnel with expertise in the field.
Smokers toothpaste
People who smoke often suffer stained teeth because of tar deposits. Toothpaste to remove these stains are quite abrasive and vigorous brushing may actually remove enamel causing 'abrasion cavities', particularly around the necks of the teeth.
Special toothpaste to combat hypersensitivity
One of the consequences of ageing is that gum margins may recede exposing the root surface of certain teeth which in some instances result in hypersensitivity and pain when, for example, eating an ice cream. Toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can be effective.
Whitening toothpaste
These pastes are being promoted primarily on the basis of cosmetic benefit. The market for these pastes is likely to continue to rise due to the increased retention of natural teeth by the middle aged and elderly, since enamel tends to loose its whiteness with age. One toothpaste uses fluoride and an enzyme system. Whitening toothpastes are not to be confused with hydrogen (or carbamide) peroxide whitening systems made for professional application in the dental surgery. Under current EU directives implemented in this country via the European Communities (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 87 of 1978) bans the use of tooth whitening products either by dentists or by the general public, if the concentration of hydrogen peroxide present or released in those products is higher than 0.1%. In the US toothpaste can include hydrogen peroxide but there is so far little trial support for their effectiveness.
Natural toothpaste
There is a range of 'natural' products available such as toothpaste containing essential oil of ginger, seaweed extract, propolis and much else. They also come in a pack made from recycled paper. It is important to check to see if these contain fluoride. Another problem with some 'natural' toothpastes is that their abrasive agents are not powerful enough.
