Why is toothpaste a base

Toothpaste is not just toothpaste

Do you know that? You are in the drugstore or in the supermarket in front of an eternally long shelf full of toothpaste tubes and ask yourself: which is the right one for my teeth? And what is actually in there? In this and the following blog posts you will find tips and lots of useful information about toothpaste.

The fact is: a suitable toothpaste is a must for our daily dental hygiene. It improves the cleaning result and helps to prevent tooth decay, inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease. These are the basic requirements, so to speak, that every toothpaste should meet.

Fluoride: protection against tooth decay

If you brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride, you are making an important contribution to the prevention of tooth decay - this also applies to children, by the way. Fluoride is like a protective shield for the teeth and can even stop the onset of tooth decay.

What exactly do fluorides do?

  • Fluorides harden the enamel by building minerals back into the enamel.
  • Fluorides form a protective film around the teeth, which makes the teeth more resistant to acids.
  • Fluorides disrupt the metabolism of caries bacteria and thus inhibit their growth. This means that fewer tooth-damaging acids are formed.

Good to know: fluoride content in toothpaste

A fluoride concentration of 500 ppm is recommended for children up to 6 years of age. Toothpastes with a fluoride content of 1,000 to 1,500 ppm are suitable for children from the age of 6 and adults. For the very little ones there are baby and children's toothpastes with a lower fluoride content. The following applies here: As soon as the first tooth has erupted, you should brush your child's teeth once a day with a fluoride toothpaste for babies; twice a day from the second birthday.

What other ingredients are in toothpaste?

In addition to the fluoride compounds that are contained in most toothpastes, the following ingredients form the basis:

  • Cleaning bodies - help against plaque and polish the tooth surface
  • Surfactants - for the foam
  • Humectant - so that the toothpaste doesn't dry out
  • Binders - ensure the right consistency and structure
  • Aroma oils - for good taste
  • Preservatives, colors and sweeteners
  • water