Is it better to have fluoride or non-fluoride toothpaste? How to choose the best toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a common item in our daily life. We may not have noticed that toothpaste contains fluoride. So when buying toothpaste, what kind of toothpaste is the best?

Is it better to have toothpaste containing fluoride or not?

It is generally recommended that adults use fluoride toothpaste, because fluoride toothpaste can prevent tooth decay. However, for infants and young children, since they will swallow repeatedly, it is recommended to use non-fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste is mainly an abrasive, which can increase the friction between the toothbrush and the teeth, and has a better cleaning effect. Usually, you brush your teeth 2-3 times, about 3 minutes each time. You can also apply toothpaste locally on the teeth for half a minute before brushing your teeth, so that the fluoride and teeth have good contact.

How to choose the best toothpaste

1. Fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is toothpaste with an appropriate amount of fluoride added to it to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay. Teenagers and the elderly can choose to use it, but it should be used with caution in school-age children.

2. Chinese herbal toothpaste

Chinese herbal toothpaste is made by adding certain Chinese herbal medicines that have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and reducing inflammation and hemostasis to ordinary toothpaste. It has a certain auxiliary effect in relieving gingival inflammation, but patients with blood diseases who need to take anticoagulants for a long time should choose it with caution.

3. Anti-inflammatory toothpaste

Anti-inflammatory toothpaste adds certain antibacterial drugs to ordinary toothpaste to reduce inflammation and bacteria, and inhibit the formation of tartar and plaque. This type of toothpaste is not recommended for long-term use and needs to be replaced every 2 months.

4. Anti-allergic toothpaste

Anti-allergic toothpaste has a certain alleviating effect on dentin allergy and can be used by people with sensitive dentin.

5. Descaling and whitening toothpaste

Descaling and whitening toothpaste can whiten teeth and is suitable for people who drink tea or smoke for a long time.

Can toothpaste whiten teeth?

The effect of whitening toothpaste on whitening teeth is minimal, almost no whitening effect. Currently used whitening toothpastes are either added with a relatively rough abrasive or with peroxide.

The cleaning principle of the first type of whitening toothpaste is the same as that of ordinary toothpaste, except that the friction particles are larger, so the friction between the teeth and the surface is greater when brushing, which can achieve the purpose of removing some pigments and dental plaque. However, long-term use will make the teeth rough and uneven, causing the accumulation of pigments and plaque, leading to tooth discoloration.

The peroxide added to the second type of whitening toothpaste will react chemically on the surface of the teeth, thus achieving chemical whitening. However, the peroxide content in general toothpaste is relatively low, and the whitening effect is minimal.

Does toothpaste expire?

Yes, toothpaste has a shelf life. The product's limited use date (year/month/day), production date (year/month/day) and production batch number are marked on the cap and end of the toothpaste box. Because the chemicals contained in toothpaste will react after being stored for a certain period of time, especially the opened toothpaste, it is best to use it up within one or two months. The longer a tube of toothpaste is used, the more opportunities it has to be exposed to the air, and the greater the chance of contact with bacteria.