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Here at SmileCreator of Bingham Farms, we want our patients to be aware of all the important parts of maintaining proper dental health. Toothpaste is a tool used to remove dental plaque, get rid of food on and around teeth, assist in suppressing halitosis, and help prevent oral diseases. Most of the cleaning is achieved by the mechanical action of the toothbrush, and not by the toothpaste itself. However, fluoride in toothpaste greatly aids in prevention of tooth decay and sensitivity. For those patients wanting a more natural alternative, salt, and baking soda are among the most popular materials substituted for commercial toothpaste.
How Did Toothpaste Start?
In early times, people created recipes for toothpaste to combat the problems associated with plaque and food build-up on teeth. Early efforts included ingredients like sand, charcoal, ground up animal hooves, ashes, and burned eggshells. Still others noticed problems with the taste of toothpaste. To combat this, they mixed mint and ginseng into their paste to improve the taste.
In 4 A.D., the world’s oldest-known formula for toothpaste was created by the Egyptians. They crushed and mixed rock salt, mint, dried flowers, and pepper to create a cleaning powder. Although this concoction can create bleeding gums, it is generally considered the most effective compared to most early toothpastes.
Toothpaste In Powder Form
In the mid-1800’s, larger portions of the population began using powder to clean their teeth. The form was powder and it was often stored in a jar or cup. Water was added to the powder for a paste-like consistency that was applied to a tooth brush or directly to the teeth. Baking powder was also a commonly used for cleaning and deodorizing.
Toothpaste Ingredients
Besides charcoal and baking soda, manufacturers began mass producing toothpaste and adding unusual ingredients. Fluoride was added to toothpastes after discovering it significantly decreased dental cavities around 1914. The 1950s saw many conveniences designed for the jet-setter and one of these was whiskey toothpaste. Many patients tried this, but it never caught on. Luckily, this trend did not last long and whiskey was quickly replaced with other ingredients.
Modern Dental Practices
The practice of dental hygiene became a regular habit of a large portion of the population after the second world war. This trend was due to military training and orders that soldiers practice dental hygiene. Many of these soldiers kept up their habits when they returned home. Dental practices flourished during this time period and toothpaste products began selling well in the mass market. This is also when the toothpaste tube became commonly sold in stores. Edible toothpaste was invented in 1987 to help children who were just learning to brush their teeth.
The Development Of The ADA
One of the agencies created after WWII was the American Dental Association. Founded in 1859, the not-for-profit American Dental Association is the nation’s largest dental association and represents more than 157,000 dentists. Since its beginning, the ADA has grown to become the leading source of oral health related information for dentists and their patients. This was a critical step in creating standards for proper oral health and regulations for tooth related products like toothpaste.
The Benefits Of Toothpaste
One major benefit of toothpaste is that it freshens the mouth. Toothpaste can also remove bacteria, clean off food particles, eliminate plaque, and whiten teeth. Other toothpastes can help prevent tooth decay and eliminate tooth and gum sensitivity.
How Much Toothpaste Should I Use?
Many patients use more toothpaste than is needed to properly clean teeth. We recommend that you save yourself money and avoid a mess by using a pea size amount of toothpaste when you brush your teeth. Be sure to brush for the proper amount of time (at least two minutes) before spitting and avoid eating for the first thirty minutes after you brush.
Come To SmileCreator Of Bingham Farms For Dental Implant Treatment
Regardless of your toothpaste choices, Dr. Kosinski wants you to know that oral hygiene is a very important part of your overall dental health. Furthermore, keeping teeth clean and healthy ensures that your dental implant treatment will have the most chance of being effective. If you live in the Bingham Farms or Beverly Hills, MI and want to know more about your treatment or how to finance your new smile, please feel free to peruse the rest of our infosite or speak to one of our friendly staff members today.