Types of toothpastes
There are various kinds of toothpastes available in the market and their functions depend on the active ingredients they contain.
- Desensitizing toothpastes
Used to provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity
Active ingredients-potassium nitrate,arginine, etc
e.g-vantej,sensodyne
- Anti-decay toothpastes
Helps prevent tooth decay(1000 ppm or 500ppm in children’s toothpastes)
Active ingredients-sodium fluoride,stannous fluoride, monofluorophosphate
e.g-cherio flavoured toothpastes for children
- Anti plaque toothpastes
Inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces toxic effect of bacterial toxin on tissues surrounding the teeth thus reducing the chances of gum disease
Active ingredients-triclosan,zinc citrate,etc
- Anti calculus toothpastes
Retards calcification of dental plaque thus decreasing rate of formation of calculus
Active ingredients-pyrophosphate,zinc citrate,etc
- Whitening toothpastes
Contains relatively coarse abrasives which abrade the stains on teeth giving a whitening effect. Long term use and their effects are yet unknown
Also Read: Smoking and Dental Health
