Which toothpaste is right for you

The choice of toothpaste in drugstores and supermarkets is huge. Have you ever wondered which toothpaste is best for your oral hygiene?

In fact, not all toothpaste is the same. A simple glance at the ingredients, which vary from tube to tube, proves this. If you know what is behind the individual substances and how they work, it is easier to find a suitable toothpaste to suit your individual needs. Here is an overview of the common ingredients:

Fluoride

Fluoride is found in almost every toothpaste because it makes teeth more resistant to decay. The fluoride wraps itself around the teeth like a protective coating, strengthening the enamel. Amine and sodium fluorides are particularly commonly used in toothpastes.

Different amounts of fluoride in toothpaste are recommended for babies, children and adults:

For children up to two years of age: rice grain-sized amount of children's toothpaste containing 1,000 ppm (milligrams per kilogram).

For children two years and older: pea-sized amount of children's toothpaste with 1,000 ppm

For children six years and older and adults: toothpaste with 1,000 to 1,500 ppm

Brushes

As the name suggests, the cleaning bodies in toothpaste do the brushing. Their task is to remove plaque in the best possible way. The following applies: The coarser the toothpaste, the higher the abrasion and the higher the cleaning performance. Abrasion is also called abrasiveness and is indicated on the toothpaste tube by the abbreviation RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion).

At an RDA value below 40, abrasion is low. Such toothpastes are recommended for sensitive teeth.

An RDA value between 40 and 80 indicates medium abrasion. The slightly higher abrasiveness contributes to better cleaning performance and is suitable for daily use for people with "normal teeth".

High abrasion is present from an RDA value of 80. These toothpastes are also known as whiteners because they reliably "sand off" plaque, allowing the natural whiteness of the teeth to emerge more clearly. However, toothpastes with high RDA values are not suitable for daily use because the protective tooth enamel can be damaged by the high abrasion.

Surfactants

Surfactants are foaming agents. Foam is useful in cleaning teeth because it reaches places in the mouth that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach. A common surfactant used in toothpastes is sodium lauryl sulfate.

Preservatives

Methyl paraben and chlorhexidine digluconate are preservatives that make toothpaste durable and prevent bacterial infestation.

Humectants

Glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol or xylitol ensure that the toothpaste remains moist and does not dry out.

Binding agents

Alginates, hydroxyetyl cellulose or methyl cellulose are binders that combine the liquid and solid components and make the toothpaste supple.

Anti-inflammatory substances

Allantoin, carbamide, chamomile, sage or rosemary are considered anti-inflammatory substances and care for the gums.

Sweeteners

Sugar is, of course, forbidden in a toothpaste. However, children in particular like a sweet taste. That is why sacharin or asparate is often used in children's toothpaste.

Flavors

Aromas such as peppermint oil or wintergreen oil provide a good taste on the one hand and can have a slight antibacterial effect on the other.

Important for the selection of the right toothpaste is above all the RDA value. For sensitive teeth or gums that bleed quickly, brushing with a highly abrasive toothpaste could be uncomfortable. On the other hand, for coffee, tea or wine drinkers, as well as smokers, who have to struggle more with color deposits on the teeth, a higher RDA value can help to clean the teeth better.

Also talk to your dentist about which toothpaste he or she would recommend.