Why do you need to use toothpaste?

Answer 1

In my professional opinion, toothpaste is largely overrated. Most commercial toothpastes have fluoride, an ingredient shown to reduce tooth decay in children. Other than that, toothpaste is little more than mouth freshener. You can usually keep your mouth and teeth clean and healthy simply by brushing and flossing effectively (with or without toothpaste) every day and seeing your dental professional frequently. The key word is 'effectively'. In my experience, most people do not brush long enough (at least two minutes).

Answer 2

Toothpaste contains fluoride, which can help strengthen the teeth, prevent cavities and help fight against dentinal sensitivity. Certain brands of toothpaste also have different contributing factors.

Sensitivity pastes have added ingredients to help fight tooth sensitivity, but these should be used for a full 2 weeks before the patient begins to notice that it is working, and should continue the use to keep the effect working.

There are many pastes that are tartar control to help reduce the amount of tartar buildup.

All brands seem to have a whitening option now. These pastes often achieve a 'whiter effect' by being slightly more abrasive I usually recommend for patients to use a whitening agent such as Whitestrips, Rembrandt, or professional whitening products bought at your dentist's office and skip the paste. They can harm enamel and gingiva (gum tissue) over time.

Two pastes help to fight gingivitis very well: Colgate Total and Crest Pro Health. Others probably do too, but these two are the most recommended.

One of the most important factors to consider when getting toothpaste: ALWAYS look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal.

It is still important to know that no matter what toothpaste you use while brushing, it is your brushing TECHNIQUE that matters! Your main goal should be brushing off plaque. Brush for 2 minutes tipping the bristles toward the gumline. Try brushing with only water at first, then feel your teeth with your tongue to see if they feel fuzzy anywhere. Toothpaste often adds an extra minty freshness that can give people a false sense of security that they are brushing properly.

short answer

it removes build up

Answer 3

Mainly, to apply fluoride to the surfaces of your teeth to prevent cavities. Some toothpastes have abrasive (rough) materials and other chemicals to make your teeth feel "smooth" and clean. It also helps freshen your breath by removing plaque and debris and leaving a minty taste behind. But from a dentist's point of view, it's mainly for fluoride.

Answer 4

Toothpaste is specifically designed to both help get rid of debris, like a toothbrush is designed to do. However, it also has a wide range of other ingredients to help: fluoride which helps prevent cavities, antibacterial ingredients to help prevent plaque, enzymes to help the antibacterial properties of saliva, Xylitol which is an ingredient that helps lower the amount of decay-causing bacteria in your mouth, and there is also abrasives to help clean and polish your teeth.

Answer 5

In its simplest form toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive to scrub the enamel of your teeth clean. Most toothpaste today contains other additives that are supposed to be good for Gum and Tooth Health.

You can use baking soda instead of toothpaste if you want to get back to basics.

Answer 6

Because manufacturers have designed the product to aid in the process. In the days before tooth paste people used to use soot.