The importance of teeth to humans is self-evident. People choose expensive toothpaste to protect their teeth. Is this viewpoint correct?
Is more expensive toothpaste really better?
There are two types of toothpaste on the market: regular toothpaste and specialized toothpaste.
1. Regular toothpaste
Regular toothpaste contains ingredients such as abrasive agents, deodorants, foaming agents, moisturizers, and preservatives. It cleans the oral cavity, removes odors, and eliminates food residue.
2. Specialized toothpaste is regular toothpaste with additional ingredients for added benefits.
Common types of specialized toothpaste include:
Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is added to the toothpaste. When used in safe amounts, fluoride can form a protective layer on the surface of the teeth, enhancing their resistance to decay and reducing the likelihood of bacteria growth and tooth decay.
Anti-allergy toothpaste: Potassium nitrate or strontium chloride is added to the toothpaste. Both have anti-allergic properties and are suitable for people with tooth sensitivity, as they can relieve tooth sensitivity.
Herbal toothpaste: Certain herbal ingredients, such as honeysuckle, peppermint, radix notoginseng, and sophora flavescens, are added to the toothpaste. They have soothing effects on problems like periodontitis, red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
It is important to note that when using this type of toothpaste, it is best to let the foam stay in the mouth for a longer period of time for better efficacy.
Choosing toothpaste is not a matter of the more expensive, the better. If you have no dental 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 to remove food particles and bacteria from the oral cavity. Brushing in the morning can eliminate overnight odors.
2. Avoid excessive brushing
Brushing your teeth more than twice a day for a total of over four minutes can wear off the protective enamel layer of the teeth. When the enamel is gone, the dentin will be exposed. The dentin has tiny pores that can reach the nerve endings. You may experience various forms of pain when exposed to cold, hot, or touch stimuli.
3. Avoid turbocharging
You can also brush too hard, like brushing an eggshell. If your toothbrush looks like it's sitting on top of the teeth, you are applying too much pressure. The enamel of the teeth is strong enough to protect them from anything in the oral cavity, from food to the beginning of the digestion process. The enamel of children and teenagers is softer than that of adults, making their teeth more susceptible to cavities and erosion from food and drinks.
