How specific are you when purchasing toothpaste? Most stores that carry dental hygiene items these days have dozens of different brands of tooth-cleaning gels and pastes. With so many different features and benefits, you may sometimes wonder what should be your highest priority. Cavity protection is an obvious focus, but what about toothpastes which promise advantages such as enamel strengthening, whitening, ending sensitivity, or controlling tartar. For some people, the flavor of toothpaste might be the deciding factor of which tube to buy. Read on for an overview of some of the most common ingredients found in modern toothpastes.
Fighting with Fluoride
Fluoride is derived from the natural element fluorine. As dental science has advanced, fluoride has become a valuable weapon in preventive oral hygiene. Fluoride has the unique advantage of strengthening tooth enamel while making it slippery so germs can’t cling to your teeth. Regular fluoride exposure can help keep bacteria from infiltrating the dentin of your teeth and causing decay. You’ve probably already had fluoride treatments from a dentist at some point in your life, but you may not realize that your tap water is possibly fluoridated. Most cities supplement their municipal water supplies with fluorine. Because of the dental health advantages, fluoride is added to the majority of toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market.
Minty Menthol
Menthol is an organically occurring compound derived from peppermint or mint oils that is most likely responsible for that icy cool after taste you get from most modern tooth scrubbing pastes and gels. Menthol is a compound which is extremely versatile, so you won’t only find it in toothpaste. You can also see menthol on the ingredient lists of certain perfumes, lip balms, decongestants, chewing gums, and topical analgesics. You will definitely want to avoid menthol flavored cigarettes, however, as they are not only horrible for your overall health but will cause stains to your teeth and a higher risk of oral cancer.
ABOUT YOUR WILMETTE DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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