Navigating the toothpaste aisle can be a daunting experience due to the wide range of claims featured on product labels. However, just because a toothpaste emphasizes one particular benefit doesn’t mean it can’t address multiple oral health issues. Roxanne Dsouza-Norwood, a registered dental hygienist and clinical assistant professor of dental hygiene at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explains that many ingredients serve various purposes. “Fluoride is a great example of an ingredient that provides multiple benefits,” she says. For instance, you may encounter separate toothpastes marketed for sensitivity or for periodontitis, but often, both will contain the same active ingredient.
Here’s a breakdown of some common toothpaste claims and the ingredients that help deliver the promised benefits:
Cavity Protection
Fluoride is the key player when it comes to cavity prevention. Available in different forms like stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride, it is the most common active ingredient found in cavity-fighting toothpaste. Additional components such as hydroxyapatite, calcium, and phosphates may support fluoride’s action, but according to Martha McComas, a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, there isn’t enough evidence to support these ingredients as standalone cavity preventers without fluoride.
Gum Health & Antigingivitis
For gum health, stannous fluoride is again a major contributor due to its antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce gum inflammation and fight gingivitis. Other ingredients, such as zinc compounds and essential oils like eucalyptol (derived from eucalyptus), may also target gum issues.
Whitening
Whitening toothpastes often contain abrasive ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or sodium citrate, which help scrub away surface stains. Hydrogen peroxide is another common whitening agent. While these toothpastes can help minimize staining from coffee, wine, or tea, McComas notes that the whitening effect is limited, as toothpaste only remains in contact with your teeth for a short time. Whitening strips, however, often require 15 to 30 minutes of contact for more noticeable results.
Tartar Control
Tartar, the hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist, forms when plaque is left untreated. Toothpastes with ingredients like tetrasodium pyrophosphate (and other pyrophosphates) can help prevent tartar formation. Stannous fluoride also plays a role in reducing tooth sensitivity, with studies showing that its effectiveness is amplified when combined with potassium. Additionally, calcium sodium phosphosilicate is another ingredient known to reduce sensitivity.
In conclusion, while the labels on toothpaste can be misleading or confusing, understanding the ingredients and their multiple benefits helps simplify the selection process. Whether it’s cavity protection, gum health, or whitening, the same active ingredients can often address a range of oral health needs.
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