Toothpastes typically contain fluoride and a mild abrasive bound together with thickeners, along with sweeteners, stabilizers, and flavors. While tartar can be properly removed only with in-office cleanings, most toothpastes contain a tartar suspension agent, enabling reduction of tartar build-up with regular brushing
Among the wide variety of specialty products are desensitizing toothpastes, which are formulated to block dentine tubules and may contain xylitol (to inhibit plaque bacteria), soluble calcium, and nanosized calcite to seal exposed dentin. These dentifrices typically have a higher pH than their in-office counterparts, and most add a potassium salt or strontium salt to reduce dentinal tubule flow, block nerve response, or both. Also available are alcohol- and sodium lauryl sulfate-free toothpastes for individuals with dry mouth, and toothpastes marketed as natural, most of which are fluoride-free.
While actual whitening requires the use of a bleaching agent, whitening toothpastes can improve tooth appearance by removing surface stains with gentle polishing, chemical chelation, or nonbleaching actions.
Toothpastes formulated for children contain fluoride and abrasives, with low-fluoride formulas recommended for children 18 months to 6 years of age to prevent fluorosis. These products often feature flavors, colors, and packaging designed to motivate brushing.
When you provide your patient with a treatment plan, you know that if there are too many steps for them to take, it decreases the likelihood that he or she will follow them. The easier the routine is, the better. Until now, patients who have been using MI Paste® Plus have had to follow two steps when brushing—first using their regular toothpaste...
Many dentists and orthodontists find it hard to impress upon young patients how important it is to brush their teeth regularly, especially if they are wearing bracket systems. Teenagers and adolescents often don’t get that they could end up with white spot lesions (WSLs) and cavities unless they take extra care with their oral hygiene while...
With a sizable segment of the population suffering from xerostomia, it is important for dental professionals to grasp a deep knowledge of the types of treatment and the specific products available for their patients suffering from dry mouth or xerostomia. A lack of appropriate treatment for such conditions presents a greater risk of tooth decay...
Sponsored Blog Dental professionals encourage parents to impress upon their children the importance of a lifetime of good oral health. While pediatric tooth decay is preventable, it is still the most common chronic disease facing children in the United States, with more than 40% experiencing caries by the time they enter kindergarten.1 New ACT...
Students in the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College Dental Hygiene program want your old toothbrush. They’ll also take your old toothpaste tubes and empty floss containers. Why!? Well it's all for a good cause, of course...actually it's for 2 good causes. The students collect the used items and send them to a company called Terracycle,...
Sponsored Blog: February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association encourages dentists and hygienists to discuss the importance of a lifetime of good oral health with their child and caregiver patients. We know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease facing children in the United States, with more...
