In addition to the refreshing and cleansing effect, toothpastes can have a therapeutic or preventive effect. Some help reduce gum sensitivity, others help prevent tooth decay. When purchasing, study the composition and purpose of a specific care product. We'll tell you which toothpastes for caries prevention are popular.
In this article
- The best toothpaste for caries: how to choose
- The best toothpastes for caries prevention
To understand which toothpaste to use to protect against caries, you need to know how this disease develops. Dental caries is a slowly developing pathological process that causes destruction of enamel and hard tooth tissue - dentin.
The main cause of caries is poor oral hygiene, which leads to the proliferation of cariogenic bacteria. The waste products of these microbes, that is, toxins and harmful acids, corrode the enamel and penetrate inside the tooth. This process is accompanied by demineralization—the loss of various minerals and salts by bone tissue and enamel.
The development of caries occurs in several stages. At the initial stage, it can be stopped with the help of remineralization. Dentists prescribe special dental gels and toothpastes with calcium, fluoride and other minerals to the patient. These products can be used not only for treatment, but also as a preventive measure for caries. Some people are predisposed to this disease. But if you maintain hygiene and brush your teeth with medicated paste, the likelihood of caries is significantly reduced. At the same time, you need to understand that only a doctor, and not hygiene products, can completely cure the pathology. Some toothpastes that are marketed as medicinal can only be used for their intended purpose.
The role of teeth in the body
We can say that the tooth is a special “organ” in the human body that plays a huge role. It has a unique shape and structure; each tooth is located in a specific place in the mouth. On the outside it is covered with enamel, on the inside there is loose connective tissue, its own nervous, circulatory and lymphatic system.
The first tooth (baby tooth) begins to appear after 3 months. In due time (5.5 – 12.5 years) they are replaced by permanent (molar) teeth (adults have 28 – 32 teeth). The outer surface of the teeth is calcified. The tooth consists of enamel, dentin and cement. There is water, organic and inorganic compounds, minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, F, P).
The role of teeth for humans is quite large. First of all, they perform an aesthetic function. An impeccable smile, in which beautiful, well-groomed teeth are visible, creates the image of a healthy and successful person.
Teeth are also involved in the digestion process. They perform the function of mechanical processing of food (tearing, holding and chewing). The functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract depends on the quality of processed food.
Teeth help to pronounce sounds correctly, forming well-structured syllables that form words. As a result, a person can express his thoughts beautifully and communicate with other people without problems.
Important! It must be remembered that tooth enamel cannot regenerate. Apatites, which are attached to an organic matrix, can be restored with the help of minerals. The matrix itself is not restored after destruction.
Dental care: the importance of the moment
Teeth need proper regular care: daily brushing. This allows you to maintain health for many years. The most basic dental treatment occurs independently, at home.
This warns education:
- caries;
- removes bad breath;
- inflammatory processes of the gums;
- development of bacterial infection;
- reduces the risk of plaque formation.
Poorly processed food, the presence of developing bacterial flora in the oral cavity is an infectious beginning for the formation of various diseases in the body (from sinusitis to intestinal pathology).
The most important dental care aids are dental floss (“floss”), a brush and a scraper for removing plaque from the tongue. Brushing your teeth should start with dental floss, which helps remove food debris between the teeth. Then you need to use toothpaste.
Cleaning is carried out 2 times a day after meals, both outside and inside the dentition. Movements should be gentle without pressure, from the gums (at the root of the teeth) to the free edge (up to 3 minutes). You need to renew your toothbrush every three months.
Toothpaste is used according to the individual needs of a person. In the presence of a pathological process, it is necessary to use a medicinal product.
Experts also recommend professional cleaning of mineralized tartar by dentists once every 6 months, which improves the mineral metabolism of teeth and removes bacterial microflora. This prevents the development of periodontal disease.
Dental care in childhood
To have healthy teeth as an adult, you need to start caring for them in early childhood. Since, with poor care, developed caries destroys the baby tooth (pulpitis) and can affect the formation of a permanent tooth.
From the moment the first tooth appears, you can use a special silicone fingertip, which dad or mom puts on his finger and cleans the surface of the tooth.
The fingertip can be used to massage the child’s gums, providing a painless, soft and gentle effect on the gum tissue. This helps improve blood circulation in the gums and relieves pain during teething.
The use of the first toothbrush is recommended from 1.5 to 2 years of age. In this case, you need to use special children's pastes.
Important! It must be remembered that parents should supervise the dental care of children under 6 years of age: they brush themselves or finish brushing after the child. Here you need to accustom the child to the procedure and teach how to carry it out correctly. Adult toothpaste should not be used to clean children's teeth.
Formation of pathological processes
Lack of high-quality daily oral and dental hygiene, unbalanced nutrition, and improper chewing of food (on one side) leads to the development of various diseases of the gums and teeth.
This may include:
- advanced carious process (deep damage to teeth);
- abrasion of the surface of the teeth;
- hyperesthesia (sensitivity of tooth enamel);
- misalignment of the lower jaw, lack of proper teeth bite;
- pulpitis;
- periodontitis;
- periodontitis;
- cementoma;
- the presence of hard mineralized tartar with deep penetration to the neck of the dental roots;
- development of pathogenic microflora in the oral and nasal cavities (staphylococci, streptococci).
If these processes occur, appropriate treatment by a dentist using medical procedures, medications and pastes is required.
Advice! Dentists believe that the bulk of pathogenic microflora is not on the teeth, but on the surface of the cheeks and tongue. Therefore, in the morning after sleep, it would be correct to remove plaque from the tongue using a scraper (teaspoon), then rinse the mouth using special mouth care products. And after eating, you need to use toothpaste to clean your teeth.
Types of toothpastes and composition
Manufacturers produce a huge number of dental products, and each of them has a different focus.
Tooth care pastes can perform:
- hygienic function;
- medical and hygienic;
- preventive role;
- with whitening effect.
Hygienic pastes are aimed at removing food debris and small tartar, eliminating microbes. They refresh the oral cavity and whiten tooth enamel. All toothpastes contain distilled water, a humectant, special preservatives, a foaming agent, fragrance and enzymes to dissolve plaque. Pastes for children also have these properties.
Medicinal products relieve inflammation of the gums, reduce bleeding, strengthen tooth enamel and relieve sensitivity thanks to minerals and medicinal substances. This product must be prescribed by a dentist. Also, for periodontal disease, gingivitis and other pathologies, special treatment is prescribed using medicinal pastes.
In addition to the main components, therapeutic and hygiene products contain substances that promote more effective care of teeth and the oral cavity. This is the use of plant and herbal extracts, propolis. For antibacterial action, some manufacturers use antiseptic agents (triclosan, chlorhexidine).
Fluoride is added to prevent caries and strengthen enamel. Mineral salts in the pastes strengthen the gums. To relieve sensitivity of tooth enamel, the toothpaste contains nitrite and sodium chloride.
Pasta at home
Many people will like homemade pasta, which will have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, soothing, strengthening and hemostatic effects. It also removes plaque and bad breath.
Homemade Pasta Recipe
Required components:
- white clay (69 g);
- nettle decoction (22 ml);
- propolis (10 drops, water base);
- honey (10-15 g - 1 tsp, in liquid form);
- essential oils (sage - 5 drops, chamomile - 5-6 drops);
- sterile container.
Part of the white clay is diluted with nettle decoction to a thick paste, then you need to add propolis and honey, essential oils. Mix everything thoroughly and store in a sterile container (preferably in the refrigerator for 3-4 days).
Historical fact! The first toothpaste appeared in the 19th century. It was a “liquid” powder. To do this, finely ground chalk was mixed with a jelly-like mixture that contained starch and glycerin.
Why is tooth enamel destroyed?
Unfortunately, regular visits to the dentist do not guarantee the integrity of the enamel. As a rule, tooth surface destruction is provoked by a number of factors, the most common of which are:
- Mechanical damage to the crown - strong squeezing of the jaw, blows, opening lids and caps with teeth, gnawing on nuts and seeds.
- Temperature effects - alternating exposure to cold and hot temperatures provokes the appearance of cracks in the enamel.
- Caries, obvious or latent, is the main cause of enamel destruction.
Often weak enamel and bad teeth are inherited.
A common cause of enamel destruction is a lack of calcium in the body. Due to the small amount of this element, its demineralization occurs and its protective properties decrease. Various chronic diseases can also affect the condition of the oral cavity:
- gastritis (gastroduodenitis);
- hypertension;
- disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- dysfunction of the salivary glands;
- nervous disorders;
- pathological bite;
- bruxism;
Doctors include additional reasons for enamel destruction:
- poor nutrition;
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- smoking;
- breathing through the mouth.
Enamel suffers especially in women during pregnancy. This condition completely changes the body at the hormonal level, which inevitably affects the absorption of calcium and the strength of tooth enamel. The baby in the womb takes the necessary vitamins and microelements for itself, and if the mother does not have enough of them, the enamel will begin to deteriorate first.
Characteristics of the TOP 10 most popular medicated tooth care pastes
| No. | Name | Who is it intended for? | Functional Features |
| 1. | SATO ACESS, Japan | Adults and teenagers over 16 years old | Natural medicinal product for the treatment of periodontal disease and gingivitis, high efficiency |
| 2. | LACALUT BASIC, Germany | Adults and teenagers over 16 years old | Comprehensive care based on natural substances, safe and high-quality cleansing |
| 3. | Dentavit Sensitive "Bitex", Belarus | Adults and teenagers over 16 years old | Safe and high-quality care for teeth with sensitive, weakened and thinned enamel, natural base |
| 4. | ORALCARE PROTEXIONE GENGIVE "BIOREPAIR", Italy | Adults and teenagers from 16 years old, children from 6 years old | A professional therapeutic and prophylactic product intended for the treatment of gum pathology, removes microcracks in tooth enamel |
| 5. | Biocalcium “SPLAT”, Russia | Adults and teenagers over 16 years old | Professional therapeutic and hygienic product on a natural basis to strengthen tooth enamel, contains Ca and other minerals |
| 6. | DANT KANTI ADVACED, India | Adults and teenagers over 16 years old | 100% natural remedy, contains 26 herbs, for the treatment and prevention of gingivitis, unpleasant odor and bleeding gums, is a natural antiseptic |
| 7. | Parodontal Acepta Sensitive "Vertex", Russia | For adults | Therapeutic product for dental care in the presence of a large amount of fluoride (fluorosis), a natural product based on thermal mud and herbs, effectively heals, soothes and restores gums |
| 8. | Twin Lotus Herbal Toothpaste, Thailand | For adults | Toothpaste based on medicinal herbs, 100% natural, strengthens gums, eliminates bleeding and inflammation of the oral mucosa, has no analogues among European-made toothpastes |
| 9. | Dr. Hare "Colgate", USA | For children from 2 years old | A hygienic and therapeutic product based on a mineral complex, contains fluoride, cleans teeth safely and efficiently, relieves inflammation of the gums |
| 10. | BIOREPAR JUNIOR “Cheerful Mouse”, Italy | For children under one year old (at the first tooth) and adolescents (up to 14 years old). | Innovative formula microRepair based on a natural mineral complex, reliable and safe protection of teeth from caries and gums from inflammation |
Product comparison table
In order to compare the presented remedies, we suggest taking a look at the table below.
| Paste | Production | Purpose | Effect | Frequency of application | Price, rub) |
| Lacalut Fitoformula | Germany | gingivitis, caries | elimination of inflammation | in the morning and in the evening | from 170 to 210 |
| Lacalut active | Germany | periodontal disease | stops inflammation with the first use | within 20 days | from 179 to 203 |
| PARODONTAX | Great Britain | inflammation of the gums; caries | prevention of oral diseases | twice a day | from 155 to 180 |
| PRESIDENT EXCLUSIVE | Italy | bleeding, redness | reduction of gum soreness | up to 14 days | from 171 to 230 |
| Splat – biocalcium | Russia | with increased sensitivity of the gums | eliminates pain and swelling | daily | from 140 to 185 |
| Splat maximum | Russia | plaque on teeth and sensitivity | eliminating pain and bleeding | every day morning and evening | from 161 to 185 |
| PRESIDENT UNIQUE | Italy | inflammation and bleeding | removes plaque, prevents inflammation | as prescribed by the dentist | from 200 to 238 |
Choosing the best toothpaste: selection criteria and mistakes
The commercial market is replete with an abundance of various dental products. It’s quite difficult to figure out which paste to choose and at what price. Will the quality of the product correspond to its cost?
Regular hygienic paste will be sufficient for people who do not have pathological processes. It is difficult to choose a remedy if you have certain problems with your teeth and gums. After all, toothpaste should become an ally in the fight for the beauty and health of teeth.
Before choosing the right product, you need to visit a dentist, who will conduct an examination and give all the necessary recommendations for oral care. Will select an individual treatment complex. This is an important point at this stage.
After recommendations from a specialist, you need to study the rating of the popular best dental care products, consumer reviews, and cost. When choosing a paste, first of all, you need to take into account your individual characteristics, immunity to certain substances, and taste preferences. You shouldn’t buy the most expensive product when you don’t have the financial means. There is always another alternative: a cheaper one can also have a number of advantages and be highly effective.
As a rule, among the “budget options” there are the most popular products from the best trusted manufacturers. You should always focus on European and American brands at an average price or slightly above it.
An important criterion is abrasiveness (RDA): the cleaning ability of the dental product. Paste for daily care should have an index from 70 to 120 units. Index from 120 to 160 units. talks about the whitening properties of the product. This paste should be used no more than 2 times/week.
Dentist reviews
To ensure the quality of the products presented, we suggest looking at reviews from dentists with many years of experience.
Maxim Olegovich. All my patients with problem gums use Lacalut Fitoformula and Lacalut aktiv pastes. After using it, I hear words of gratitude about the advice of such a miracle remedy. Bleeding, swelling, redness and pain are relieved after the first use. Not every product can boast such success. For 20 years, this company has been recommending itself only on the positive side!
Ksenia Andreeva. PARODONTAX paste has proven itself on the positive side for high-quality treatment of caries and relief of inflammation. Daily use of the product completely eliminates the likelihood of recurrent gum disease. Tested by many years of experience using it on myself and on my patients. Not a single complaint, and that's worth a lot.
Vladlen Gennadievich. I recommend PRESIDENT EXCLUSIVE to all my clients, as it does not require constant use. Within just 2 weeks, your gums take on a healthy appearance. The good thing about the paste is that you can use it with other cleaning products. The effect will also be fully realized. One of the few pastes that actually gets the job done.
Arseny Maratovich. Due to many years of experience, I know which paste to use and which one is better to throw away. That’s why my family, clients and I myself use Splat – biocalcium or Splat – maximum. 2 pastes that perfectly complement each other ensure normal oral health, without bleeding or inflammation. I recommend it.
Alena Dmitrova. PRESIDENT UNIQUE, although it is not possible to use it constantly, in a short period of time (up to 2 weeks) ideally treats gums and does not spoil tooth enamel. It is possible to combine it with other toothpastes. I advise patients, quality is guaranteed by personal experience.
What to look for when choosing
The selection criteria presented below will help you choose a high-quality and effective product.
- Compound. If you suffer from increased tooth sensitivity, pay attention to products containing calcium, phosphorus, and mineral complexes. For gum inflammation, use products with a high content of medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory effects.
- Price. All medicated toothpastes have almost the same composition, only different prices. Choose a product in the middle price category; you shouldn’t pay 600 rubles for an identical paste composition for 200 rubles.
- View. If you feel pain when brushing your teeth or see blood, do not use whitening toothpaste under any circumstances. Aggressive abrasive particles have a very detrimental effect on the condition of teeth with high sensitivity. After using this remedy, deterioration of the gums and increased bleeding may occur.
Refreshments
| Paste, properties | pros | Minuses |
| Splat Maximum against unpleasant odors, according to the manufacturer it blocks odor for eight hours. |
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| ROCS Coffee and Tobacco removes stains from staining products and eliminates odors. |
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| Colgate Gentle Whitening (Colgate Gentle Whitening). |
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| LACALUT flora with natural olive oil. |
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Main types
There are 5 types of therapeutic and prophylactic agents. Let's look at them in more detail in the article below.
- Agents that have a positive effect on the mucous membranes and periodontal tissues. Most often they contain antiseptics, anti-inflammatory drugs, enzymes, mineral elements, enzymes, vitamins, extracts from medicinal herbs and other biologically active components (antioxidants and immunomodulators). They use aluminum hydroxide as an abrasive, and inflammation is prevented or eliminated by extracts of chamomile, St. John's wort, pine needles, sage and green tea. Anti-inflammatory products are indicated, in particular, for gingivitis.
- Agents affecting enamel mineralization. Their composition is made of calcium hydroxyapatite, fluoride compounds (usually sodium fluoride), phosphorus salts, as well as various complexes of trace elements. Such products are intended for patients with a low fluoride content in drinking water, as well as insufficient intake of calcium into the body, impaired absorption or an increased need for this macronutrient.
- Pastes that prevent the formation of dental plaque. Such products consist of mineral salts, enzymes, fluoride compounds, and antimicrobial compounds.
- Products that prevent the formation of hard mineralized deposits (tartar). Such pastes, as a rule, contain a high content of abrasive particles.
- Paste for sensitive tooth enamel. This product contains formaldehyde, strontium and potassium compounds.
