Dental care is important for a healthy oral and dental care. Experts warn about brushing teeth twice a day. The toothpaste and brush to be preferred for tooth brushing is also very important. What should be considered when choosing toothpaste for the best oral and dental care?
Dentist Turan Şahan from Ocean Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic gave the following information about fluoride in toothpaste:
“Fluoride strengthens developing enamel and slows acid production from bacteria caused by plaque. In this way, it significantly protects the teeth.
Demineralization occurs when bacteria combine with sugar to form acids that corrode teeth. Fluoride protects the teeth against this condition.
Fluoride also promotes Remineralization. This process brings calcium and phosphate ions to the tooth to create new acid-resistant surface area.
DANGEROUS CHILDREN SWALLOW TOOTHPASTE
Too much fluoride can lead to ‘dental fluorosis’. Fluorosis is a condition that causes a change in the color of tooth enamel. This discoloration usually manifests as white or sometimes brown spots.
Fluorosis mostly occurs when children in the age of continuing tooth formation swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out. In addition, fluorosis may develop as a result of drinking water with high fluorine content and using fluorine tablets.
Cases of fluorosis are usually very mild. In moderate to severe cases, more pronounced and extensive enamel changes occur on the teeth, including dark spots and pits.
It’s unlikely to get too much fluoride from toothpaste, but poses a risk to children who are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
To reduce the risk of dental fluorosis, parents should:
In order to discourage children aged 6 and under from swallowing toothpaste, they should check frequently and explain the subject superficially in a way they can understand.
The amount of toothpaste used between the ages of 3 and 6 should not exceed the size of a pea (which is sufficient for adults)
- For children under the age of 2, using a rice-sized paste is sufficient.
WHICH IS THE GOOD TOOTHPASTE?
There are so many toothpaste options that it can be difficult for people to decide which one is right for them.
The first question to ask is whether the person wants toothpaste that contains fluoride. If fluoride is desired, a variety of fluoride products are available from most major brands. If not, you should go for natural toothpastes that are less likely to contain fluoride.
If the preference is to buy fluoride toothpaste, children up to age 3 should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1000 parts per million (ppm). For those aged 3 and above, this level should be 1,350-1,500 ppm.
If you’re going to use fluoride toothpaste, look for these features:
Fluoride content should not exceed scientific limits
Have the active ingredients needed to improve dental health, such as reducing tooth sensitivity, preventing enamel erosion or reducing gingivitis
There should be absolutely no sugar in the sweeteners it contains.
It must have scientific evidence demonstrating safety and effectiveness.”