The primary function of toothpaste is to aid in the removal of dental plaque from the surfaces of teeth. This function is accomplished to a large degree by the toothbrush and floss. The toothpaste carries an ancillary role in cleaning teeth.
There are many different brands and formulations of toothpaste. The primary difference between them is the taste. However, some toothpaste have more clinical effectiveness than others.
Baking soda has long been known to help clean teeth and protect them from decay. Part of its action is the buffering effect it has acids produced by plaque bacteria. The grittiness of baking soda also helps to abrade the plaque. The sodium content helps to kill bacteria associated with gum disease. To be effective a large amount of baking soda is needed. Therefore, the best way to use baking soda is directly from the box. Mentadent, the various Arm and Hammer paste, and Arm and Hammer tooth powder have enough baking soda to be effective. Most other formulations do not.
Medically effective disinfectives are also useful additions to toothpaste. Crest Multicare and Colgate Total. Have additions that make them more likely to help reduce cavities and gum disease. Tartar control ingredients are effective as well. All of these additions are more likely to cause allergic or burning reactions to the toothpaste. If you can tolerate them, these are good toothpaste.
A new formulation of toothpaste is now available. It contains a powerful disinfective. This non-foaming formulation does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate which is implicated in mouth ulcers. The taste is mild and the disinfective is also useful in controlling halitosis by direct chemical reaction with the sulfur containing compounds we associate with bad breath. Similar formulations are marketed under several different brand names. Our office has ClosysII. Oxyfresh is another quality formulation with this ingredient.
Most of our patients who have tried ClosysII keep asking for more. Some of them have even recommended the toothpaste to their neighbors who are not our patients. However, ClosysII does not have fluoride as an active ingredient. If you have adequate fluoride content in your drinking water, this is an excellent choice for toothpaste, but if you are on well water, you may be better off with a fluoride containing formulation like Crest Multicare.
©2003 Dr. James S. Eaves, DDS
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