Toothpaste (dentifrice)

     

Toothpastes are gels, pastes or powders that help to remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums after eating or drinking. Dr. Anna Lee says, "they come in different flavors, such as bubble gum, fruity, wintergreen, spearmint and others." Some toothpaste contains ingredients that help to reduce tooth sensitivity, gingivitis, tartar, bad breath and remove surface stains. However, the most important ingredient in the toothpaste is fluoride.  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.  All ADA-Accepted toothpastes contain fluoride.

The American Dental Association conducts extensive laboratory tests on toothpastes to determine the toothpaste’s fluoride content, how it is released and its effectiveness on tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.

Guide to dental care products: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Floss & Mouth Rinses

With so many dental care products on the market today, patients often ask which toothpaste, toothbrush, floss or mouth rinse is best or right for them. The recommendation is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Anna Lee says, "it means that the dental product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs."

ADA Recommendation for Children’s Toothpaste

 Did you know?

An updated new ADA guideline was published in February 2014 to promote fluoride toothpaste use on young children.  "ADA recommends the use of small amounts of fluoride toothpaste on children under age", says Dr. Anna Lee.

 2.  The ADA advises a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice on a child’s first teeth, and then a pea-size quantity can be used for children between 3-6 years old.