Toothpaste and toothbrush are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Toothpaste is a relatively simple product with simple goals: keeping your breath fresh, preventing diseases, and keeping the mouth clean. Toothpaste generally contains the following components:
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Water: Toothpaste contains 20-40% water.
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Abrasives: Abrasives are the substances that are used for abrading, grinding, or polishing. They remove substances adhering to the surface of the teeth without scratching it and bring out their natural luster. Abrasives constitute 8-20% of a typical toothpaste. Representative abrasives include particles of aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, various calcium hydrogen phosphates, various silicas and zeolites, and hydroxyapatite.
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Detergents: Sodium laureth sulfate, a foaming agent, is a common toothpaste ingredient that also possesses some antimicrobial activities.
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Fluoride: Fluoride is added to toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
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Miscellaneous components: Toothpaste may contain other ingredients such as sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives.
Toothpaste may also contain active ingredients that combat cavities, freshen breath, and perform other therapeutic functions. For example, chlorhexidine is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is often added to toothpaste and mouthwash products. Sodium laureth sulfate, a foaming agent, is a common toothpaste ingredient that also possesses some antimicrobial activities. Toothpaste may also contain inactive ingredients that form the paste itself, act as abrasives, provide hydration, provide flavor, and create the foaming effect of toothpaste.
Toothbrushes come in different shapes, sizes, and bristle types. They are designed to remove plaque and food particles from teeth and gums. Toothbrushes can be manual or electric, and they can have soft, medium, or hard bristles. Dentists generally recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the enamel and gums.
In conclusion, toothpaste and toothbrush are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Toothpaste contains water, abrasives, detergents, fluoride, and miscellaneous components, while toothbrushes come in different shapes, sizes, and bristle types. It is important to choose toothpaste and toothbrush products that suit your needs and preferences and to use them regularly to maintain good oral health.
