Nowadays, medicated toothpaste is highly favored by people, who believe that it can not only protect their teeth but also treat dental diseases. However, experts remind us that medicated toothpaste should not be used indiscriminately and should be replaced in a timely manner. Otherwise, it may turn us into "cold beauties" who dare not smile. Why is that so?
Medicated toothpaste has the same main ingredients as regular toothpaste, including abrasives, detergents, wetting agents, adhesives, preservatives, fragrances, and water. The only difference is that medicated toothpaste contains additional ingredients such as trace elements, chemical antimicrobials, germicides, or traditional Chinese herbs. These ingredients are present in very small amounts, generally less than 1%, and in rare cases, not exceeding 2%. It is difficult for them to have a therapeutic effect on dental diseases.
Therefore, if we have dental problems, we should not rely solely on toothpaste and should seek medical help in a timely manner to avoid delaying the condition. Although medicated toothpaste has antibacterial effects, it should also be regularly replaced. This is because the normal oral cavity of a person is home to more than 400 species of bacteria, including various beneficial anaerobic bacteria. Prolonged use of the same medicated toothpaste can harm these beneficial bacteria and promote the growth of a small number of drug-resistant bacteria, leading to imbalance in the oral bacterial flora and the occurrence or exacerbation of oral diseases. Moreover, if a person's resistance is weakened or oral mucosa is damaged, these drug-resistant bacteria may enter the body, causing difficult-to-treat stubborn diseases. Therefore, when choosing toothpaste, we should "choose the right one, not the expensive one." Medicated toothpaste should not be regarded as a panacea, and we should replace it in a timely manner.
At the same time, we should also avoid blindly pursuing teeth whitening. Because some teeth whitening methods may not be suitable for you, it is essential to have a comprehensive examination by an experienced dentist for the first whitening. The dentist can provide a whitening plan, and we should avoid blindly purchasing whitening products or bleaching teeth.
Friendly reminder: Currently, some toothpaste on the market contains an ingredient called "chlorhexidine," which is a potent antibacterial agent with excellent antibacterial effects. However, long-term use can cause teeth to turn gray and affect taste perception. Therefore, unless advised by a doctor, it is advisable not to use this toothpaste casually.
