Dental hygiene
The toothpaste
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A fundamental element for combating caries. Toothpaste is used with the toothbrush, and consists of a homogeneous paste composed of solids in water that contribute to cleaning of the teeth. A toothpaste should offer a series of basic characteristics: cleaning power, low abrasiveness, no irritative effect upon the gums, pleasant flavor, innocuousness, simple use and a pleasant fresh and clean sensation. One of the important ingredients of toothpaste is fluorine. Fluorinated toothpastes are regulated according to fluorine concentration. A limit is established for definition as a cosmetic: 150 mg % or 1500 ppm or 0.15 g % in total. It is advisable for children’s toothpaste to contain no more than 150 mg % of fluorine. Higher concentrations (250 mg %) are indicated for adults. Mouth gargles can also be used, based on aqueous solutions. Mouthrinses lack the efficacy of toothpastes, and should therefore not replace the latter, though they can be used after tooth brushing to complete the cleansing action of toothpaste. |
