How to choose a toothpaste - the right composition and tricks of manufacturers

The history of toothpaste began in 1837, when the American brand Colgate released the first paste in a glass jar. In Russia, toothpastes in tubes appeared only in the middle of the 20th century.

Manufacturers are expanding the functionality of the toothpaste: it is now designed not only to brush the teeth of food and plaque, but also to treat diseases of the oral cavity. To choose a toothpaste that meets your needs, the dentist will help.

Toothpaste for baby

Hygiene of the oral cavity should be started from an early age, as soon as the child has the first incisors.

When selecting children's toothpaste, pay attention not only to attractive packaging and taste. Children do not fit adult toothpastes, you can switch to them when the child turns 14 years old.

All pastes for children are classified for three age periods:

• 0-4 years;
• 4-8 years;
• 8-14 years old.

Correct composition

The main three criteria of any child's paste are safe and hypoallergenic composition, preventive effect and pleasant taste. The combined base of the paste takes care of the thin enamel of the child's teeth, has a mild flavor with taste, so that cleaning your teeth will turn into a daily ritual.

Components of toothpaste should be beneficial for children's teeth. Useful substances that are needed in the toothpaste for children:

• vitamin complexes;
• actoperoxidase, lactoferrin;
• calcium glycerophosphate / calcium citrate;
• dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DDCF);
• casein;
• magnesium chloride;
• lysozyme;
• xylitol;
• sodium monofluorophosphate;
• aminofluoride;
• zinc citrate
• glucose oxide;
• plant extracts - lime, sage, chamomile, aloe.

Due to these components, the protective functions of saliva are improved and tooth enamel is strengthened.

Among the constituents of the toothpaste are neutral ingredients responsible for the appearance with consistency. They are safe for the child. This glycerin, titanium dioxide, water, sorbitol and xanthan gum.

Harmful components

When buying pasta for a child, remember the substances that are dangerous to his health.

Fluorine

Fluoride improves the mineralization of teeth. But if swallowed, it becomes toxic and can trigger the development of neurological disorders and pathologies of the thyroid gland. Its excess in the body will lead to fluorosis - pigmentation of the teeth and greater exposure to caries. Always consider the ppm index, which indicates the concentration in fluoride toothpaste.

The permissible dosage of the substance in the tube of the paste:

• for children under 3 years - no more than 200 ppm;
• from 4 to 8 years - no more than 500 ppm;
• from 8 and older - no more than 1400 ppm.

If you have any doubts about whether to give your child a fluoridated toothpaste, consult a specialist.

Antibacterial substances

These are triclosan, chlorhexidine, and metronadazole. With frequent use, they destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also useful ones. As a result, the microflora of the oral cavity is disturbed. The use of toothpaste for teeth with any of these substances is allowed in pathologies:

• gingivitis;
• stomatitis;
• periodontitis.

In other cases, it is better to choose a paste without disinfecting properties.

Abrasives

Common components are calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. These substances are too aggressive for children's teeth and can harm them. Better buy a paste with silicon dioxide (or titanium). The degree of abrasiveness is denoted by the RDA index.

Foaming agents

This group of components provides a uniform consistency of the toothpaste for easy cleaning of the teeth. The most common foam educator is sodium lauryl sulfate - E 487, SLS. The substance dries the mucous surface of the mouth and is capable of provoking an allergic reaction.

Synthetic Thickeners

Acrylic acid and cellulose are the main binding elements of synthetic origin, which are highly toxic. Therefore, choose a paste with a natural thickener - a resin of seaweed, plants or trees.

Whitening components

As a part of the toothpaste for children, we saw derivatives of carbamide peroxide - abandon it. The whitening effect will not be noticeable, but the tooth enamel will thin out. As a result, the risk of caries and the appearance of problems with the teeth will increase.

Preservatives

For prolonged transport and storage in the toothpastes, preservatives are added that do not allow the propagation of bacteria. More often sodium benzoate is used, which is dangerous in large doses. There are also other preservatives - propylene glycol (PEG) and propylparaben.

Artificial colors and saccharin

The harmful effect of sugar-containing substances is known - the formation and development of caries increases. Chemical dyes will spoil the tone of the child's teeth.

Amplifiers of taste

Do not take the baby a paste with eucalyptus or mint extract, because they have a sharp taste. Buy pastes with menthol, anise and vanillin.

Leading brands

Here are the top 5 children's toothpastes, which are approved by many parents and dentists.

ROCS Pro Kids

Toothpaste for children 3-7 years old, with a taste of forest berries. Contains xylitol, calcium and honeysuckle extract. As the manufacturer assures, 97% of the paste components are of organic origin.

Toothpaste Rocks for children helps to normalize the microflora of the mouth, strengthen the tooth enamel, prevent gum disease and the formation of caries, slow the formation of plaque and freshen breath.

Lacalut Teens 8+

Teeth gel for teens contains sodium fluoride, aminofluoride, methylparaben, taste -citrus-mint. Helps to fight tooth decay, remove inflammation of the gums, eliminate plaque and slow down the reproduction of bacteria.

Splat Baby

Russian pharmaceutical company Splat offers toothpaste for children from 0 to 3 years. It comes with 2 different flavors: vanilla and apple banana. Hypoallergenic and not dangerous if swallowed, as 99.3% consists of natural components.

Effectively protects from caries and facilitates the eruption of the first teeth. Extract of prickly pear, chamomile, calendula and aloe vera gel reduce the unpleasant sensitivity of gums, destroy bacteria and relieve inflammation.

Ushasty Nyan. The first tooth

Another domestic manufacturer presents toothpaste for the youngest. Aloe vera extract, included in the composition, reduces painful sensations when the first teeth are erupted. Pasta is not dangerous if swallowed, thoroughly cleans children's teeth and reliably strengthens enamel. Does not contain fluoride.

President TEENS 12+

For children of adolescence, President Company offers a paste with mint flavor that does not contain harmful substances - allergens, parabens, PEG and SLS. Universal toothpaste stimulates the process of remineralization, protecting the gums and teeth of the child.

Toothpaste for adults

The teeth of a mature person are adapted to the aggressive ingredients of toothpastes, but do not be exposed to toxins. Toothpaste for adults is designed to solve various problems of the oral cavity.

Concentration and composition determine the purpose of a particular variety of pasta.

Kinds

Adult toothpastes are divided into several classes:

• therapeutic and preventive;
• therapeutic or complex;
• hygienic.

Treatment-prophylactic

This group of pastes eliminates the factors that can eventually lead to the development of diseases of the oral cavity. Examples are toothpastes of anti-inflammatory, antisense action, preventing the formation of tartar.

Therapeutic or complex

This group of toothpastes includes products that are aimed at eliminating pathology. Such pastes perform several tasks at once, therefore they are called paste of complex action. For example, bleaching and anti-caries, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, against gum bleeding.

Hygienic

The third group of toothpastes for adults is designed to eliminate plaque, leftovers, cleaning teeth and refreshing breath. Pastes of this type are suitable for people who do not suffer from oral diseases.

Another toothpaste for adults can be grouped by the method of application:

• for daily care;
• for a one-off or a course application - usually 2 weeks. An example is whitening toothpastes.

Correct composition

The number of chemical constituents of toothpaste for an adult is represented by a broad list.

• vitamin complexes;
• lactoperoxidase / lactoferrin;
• calcium citrate / calcium glycerophosphate / hydroxyapatite calcium;
• dicalcium phosphate dihydrate / sodium monofluorophosphate / aminofluoride;
• xylitol;
• casein;
• lysozyme;
• magnesium chloride;
• zinc citrate
• glucose oxide;
• plant extracts - limes, sage, chamomile, aloe, nettles, kelp.

Harmful additives

As additional substances in toothpastes add:

• Antiseptics - chlorhexidine, metronidazole and triclosan. Only the latter has a gentler effect.
• Fluorine. Suitable for those who do not have fluorosis, and there is no overabundance of the element in the body as a result of consuming running water with a high content of fluoride. The rest is better to choose pastes without fluorides.
• Nitrate or potassium chloride, strontium. Substances increase the "exfoliating" effect. People with sensitive teeth and gums should abandon such pastes and choose those where silicon dioxide is used.