Toothpaste: Triclosan

 

Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent that has shown effectiveness against plaque, gum disease, and bad breath.

Plaque is a sticky biofilm made by bacteria.  Triclosan helps kill these little bugs.

Gum disease (Gingivitis and/or Periodontitis) is caused by another type of bacteria.  Triclosan can help kill this kind too.

Bad breath (malodor) is also caused by bacteria, and yep.  Triclosan can help.

Some controversy exist about the safety of Triclosan.  Colgate Total still uses a Triclosan formulation.  Crest sold in the United States does not, although a Canadian formula of theirs does.

Toothpaste: Potassium Nitrate

If you've ever had teeth sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets, or air,  you may already use a product designed to help with the pain.


Potassium nitrate is added to toothpastes such as Sensodyne to help with sensitivity.  It works by blocking of nerve activity and pain transmission.

Research proves potassium nitrate's effectiveness, and the American Dental Association allows manufacturers to advertise decreased sensitivity as an advantage.

"Dimensions"
 

Point of interest: Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) is one of the 3 ingredients in gunpowder.

Toothpaste: Sodium Fluoride

Fluoride is a charged particle that integrates with tooth enamel crystals to make the tooth less soluble to acid. 

Sodium Fluoride is a fluoride "salt" (similar to NaCl, aka: table salt), and is the most common formulation of fluoride in toothpaste.

The American Dental Association approves sodium fluoride-containing toothpastes and allows them to advertise as "cavity fighting", etc.

Other than keeping your teeth clean, exposing your teeth to fluoride is the most important cavity-reducing measure one can take. 

Product Review: Toothpaste

 

Ever walk down the toothpaste aisle and have no idea which one to pick?  Are they all the same?  If so, why not just  buy the cheapest? ...and that's usually what we do. 

In the next few posts, I'll try to make some sense of the toothpaste aisle and give some criteria for making an informed choice.

Toothpaste: American Dental Association
Toothpaste: Wikipedia

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Humor: After a Walrus Meal

Lighting's Effect on White

Lighting is one of the 3 factors in visual color assessment.

How white your teeth are may depend in part on the type of lighting in your bathroom. Fluorescent light is cool in tone while incandescent is warm.

The best light for evaluating tooth color is thought to be natural daylight, because it is a more full spectrum of all wavelengths of light. However, natural light is highly variable based on weather, time of day, location, etc.

Dental offices should use color-corrected lighting systems.

Product Review: Opalescence TresWhite Supreme Whitening 10

So, I bought my wife some bleaching trays for Christmas. She asked for 'em.

I got the Opalescence TresWhite Supreme Whitening system through our local ASDA chapter who was selling them for a fundraiser.

My wife has been pleased with the results so far. This 10% hydrogen peroxide system is relatively easy to use and hasn't given her sensitivity like with another system she has tried. TresWhite Supreme comes in 3 flavors - mint, peach, melon.

Note: There is also a new 15% hydrogen peroxide system.

Amazon has lots of reviews if you want other opinions.