Toothpaste plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene by ensuring your mouth smells fresh and feels clean. Regular brushing—at least twice a day with toothpaste—significantly reduces the risk of cavities, which are essentially holes that form in teeth due to decay.
When you brush your teeth, certain ingredients in toothpaste combine with saliva to create a foamy mixture, which is then spit out after brushing. This foam aids in the effective removal of plaque, the sticky substance that can accumulate on teeth and lead to cavities.
Some toothpastes are formulated with special components, like xylitol (pronounced zy-luh-toll), which inhibits cavity formation. When the bacteria found in plaque metabolize xylitol, they produce less acid, thereby reducing the likelihood of tooth decay.
Another key ingredient often found in toothpaste is fluoride (pronounced floor-ride). This mineral is essential because it penetrates the microscopic gaps on the surface of teeth, reinforcing their structure and protecting them from harmful bacteria that can cause deterioration.
Historically, before the advent of modern toothpaste, people believed that developing cavities was a natural part of aging. To enhance the appearance of their teeth, they resorted to using tooth powders, which were often made from a variety of unconventional materials such as crushed animal bones, ox hooves, and even the shells of snails and oysters. In some cases, urine was used as a cleansing agent, a far cry from the pleasant-smelling pastes we use today.
Today, we are fortunate to have access to toothpaste that not only tastes good and smells appealing but also plays a vital role in maintaining dental health.
For optimal oral hygiene, it is essential to brush your teeth each morning and before bedtime. When brushing, remember to spit out the toothpaste and use only a small amount. Avoid rinsing your mouth completely with water afterward; leaving a bit of toothpaste residue can help protect your teeth from harmful bacteria.
Dr. Arosha Weerakoon, a senior lecturer and general dentist at the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry, emphasizes the significance of these practices for effective dental care. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
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