Into the Thick of It – The Skinny on Toothpaste

Categories: Dental Health

Welcome to our blog, Arlington! I’m thrilled with how much I have to share with you about toothpaste and oral hygiene in the short time we have together. Enjoy!

Why does toothpaste seem gritty?
The abrasive nature of toothpaste is to aid in removing dental plaque and food from the surface of the teeth. Rough brushing becomes unnecessary for Arlington dental patients when the abrasives in the toothpaste can snag the mouth’s lingering food particles and polish the enamel at the same time.

What’s with the strong minty options?
Minty flavorants are used to encourage continued use of the paste and to freshen breath. However, effective toothpaste alone is not designed to cure halitosis (bad breath) for Arlington men and women affected. While unflavored toothpastes exist, the world has also seen such flavors as peanut butter, iced tea and ginger. To treat halitosis it is best to avoid periodontal disease and to also brush bacteria from far back on the tongue. Removing the source is critical and more effective than covering it up with minty flavorings.

What is Fluoride’s place in a toothpaste?
Fluoride occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources. It is championed by health-conscious Arlington residents for preventing tooth decay and controlling gingivitis. Fluoride-containing compounds are present in many toothpastes to add another critical dimension to the oral hygiene regimen for preventing decay.

How are toothpaste and flossing related?

Flossing regularly in conjunction with toothbrushing aids in averting bacterial growth, tooth decay and plaque buildup by simply removing chunks of food or substances that could break down the tooth.

Finally, what about the relationship between toothpaste and mouthwash?
The use of mouthwash cannot replace regular brushing and flossing. Mouthwash simply adds yet another dynamic layer of defense against bacterial growth in the mouth.

Dr. Stephen Ratcliff and the staff at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry want to encourage a committed, consistent approach to dental hygiene.

Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas 76013

If you need information about dental implants, restorations, veneers or crowns, call us today. If cosmetic dentistry sounds like something you would like to consider call us today. If family dentistry and restorative dentistry have crossed your mind, we’re here.

817-274-7875

We are proud to serve Arlington, Texas.

Your Arlington, Fort Worth & Mansfield Cosmetic and Family Dentist