Currently, the market offers a bewildering array of toothpaste options, leaving consumers overwhelmed. In reality, despite the variety, toothpaste primarily falls into two categories: regular cleaning toothpaste and functional toothpaste.Standard toothpaste ingredients typically include abrasives, humectants, preservatives, flavorings, sweeteners, surfactants, and binders. Functional toothpaste adds sodium fluoride and other chemical agents—such as anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial compounds, hemostatic agents, and desensitizers—to prevent or alleviate specific oral issues and promote dental health.
The primary function of toothpaste is to clean teeth and prevent cavities and gingivitis; it should not be relied upon to treat diseases. In recent years, as public awareness of oral health has grown, functional medicinal toothpastes have gained widespread popularity. Manufacturers have capitalized on this trend, developing an extensive array of products.The use of medicated toothpaste should be tailored to the individual and the region, and should not be used indiscriminately over long periods. For example, fluoride toothpaste can reduce the risk of cavities, prevent the dissolution of tooth enamel, and even strengthen teeth that have already been dissolved. However, in high-fluoride areas such as Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei, where drinking water contains fluoride, it is not advisable to use fluoride toothpaste.Some medicated toothpastes contain antibacterial agents that can temporarily eliminate oral bacteria. Yet daily use equates to prolonged, low-dose antibiotic intake, disrupting the delicate microbial balance in the mouth and potentially fostering antibiotic resistance. Other medicated toothpastes incorporate bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, marketed for teeth whitening. However, these can irritate soft tissues, damage oral mucosa, and harm gums. Long-term use leads to repeated abrasion, making teeth more fragile.
So, how should one choose medicated toothpaste correctly? First, individuals who experience tooth sensitivity during brushing or feel pain when consuming cold beverages should use toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. This type prolongs the retention of minerals on the tooth surface, alleviating sensitivity issues. Second, frequent smokers and tea drinkers often develop unsightly stains. They may opt for whitening toothpaste containing silica, which helps remove surface stains.Third, those with excessive tartar buildup may use toothpaste containing pyrophosphate, which helps prevent plaque formation. For individuals without oral soft tissue inflammation, regular toothpaste is sufficient; medicated toothpaste is not recommended. Even with mild inflammation, medicated toothpaste should not replace professional oral care and should be used only 2-3 times per week. Recurring ulcers, bleeding, or persistent bad breath warrant prompt dental consultation.
When selecting toothpaste, prioritize the quality of its abrasive agents. Choose formulas with finer particles to prevent tooth enamel damage. Those containing aluminum hydroxide and calcium hydrogen phosphate are preferable, followed by silica. Calcium carbonate particles are the largest.Keep two types of toothpaste at home and alternate between them morning and night. Avoid wetting the toothbrush before applying toothpaste. Toothpaste cleans teeth not through foam but by enabling friction between the bristles and teeth via its cleaning agents. The finer the friction and the longer the duration, the more thoroughly teeth are cleaned.