The importance of teeth to humans doesn't need much explanation. People often believe that the more expensive the toothpaste, the better it is for protecting their teeth. But is this viewpoint correct?
Is Expensive Toothpaste Really Better?
On the market, toothpaste can be categorized into regular toothpaste and specialized toothpaste.
1. Regular toothpaste
Regular toothpaste contains ingredients such as abrasives, detergents, foaming agents, moisturizers, and preservatives. Its main function is to clean the oral cavity, remove odors, and eliminate food residues.
2. Specialized toothpaste is regular toothpaste with additional ingredients to provide extra benefits.
Common types of specialized toothpaste include:
- Fluoride toothpaste: Contains fluoride, which can form a protective layer on the tooth surface, enhance the teeth's resistance to decay, and reduce the likelihood of bacterial growth and tooth decay.
- Anti-allergy toothpaste: Contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which can alleviate tooth sensitivity and is suitable for people with sensitive teeth.
- Herbal toothpaste: Contains certain herbal ingredients such as honeysuckle, mint, Tianqi, and Sophora, which can relieve problems like gingivitis, gum swelling, bleeding, and bad breath.
When using herbal toothpaste, it is best to let the foam stay in the mouth for a longer time to maximize its effectiveness.
Choosing toothpaste does not necessarily mean that the more expensive, the better. If your teeth don't have any specific problems, regular toothpaste is sufficient. Remember to change brands regularly to prevent oral bacteria from developing resistance.
Tips for Dental Care
1. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time
Brush your teeth and clean your mouth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This helps to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Brushing in the morning can also eliminate overnight odors.
2. Don't overbrush
Brushing your teeth more than twice a day or for more than four minutes in total can wear down the enamel layer that protects your teeth. When the enamel is worn down, the dentin is exposed, and the small pores in the dentin can reach the nerve endings. This can lead to various types of discomfort when exposed to cold, hot, or touch stimuli.
3. Avoid excessive pressure
Brushing too hard can also be detrimental. If your toothbrush looks like it's sitting on top of your teeth and you're applying excessive pressure, you're brushing too hard. The tooth enamel is strong enough to protect your teeth from anything in your mouth, from food to the beginning of the digestive process. However, the enamel of children and teenagers is softer than that of adults, making their teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and erosion caused by food and drinks.
