Toothpaste

There are many different types of toothpaste available in the market. The followings are the common types of toothpaste:

Fluoride toothpaste, desensitizing toothpaste, anti-calculus toothpaste, anti-plaque toothpaste, and whitening toothpaste. Their various functions depend on the active ingredients they contain.

Photograph of several different brands of adult and children toothpaste.

Anti-decay toothpaste

They contain Fluoride Compounds such as Sodium Fluoride (NaF), Stannous Fluoride (SnF2), or Monofluorophosphate (MFP2) etc. Adult toothpaste contains 1000 - 1,450 ppm (parts per million) fluoride, while children toothpaste contains 500 – 1,000 ppm fluoride. Children toothpaste is usually candy flavoured or fruit flavoured, which is more appealing to children.
Photograph of several different brands of desensitizing toothpaste.

Desensitizing toothpaste

The active ingredients provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity symptoms in 2 ways. First, they interrupt the neurone response to pain stimuli; second, they occlude the dentinal tubules of dentine. Active ingredients such as Potassium Nitrate or Arginine, etc., are used by different product manufacturers. There are many different types of desensitizing toothpastes marketed by different brand names. Their various functions depend on different active ingredients they contain. Therefore, you are advised to consult the dentist and undergo a thorough check-up to explore the cause of tooth sensitivity before using desensitizing toothpaste. You should consult the dentist if the symptoms of tooth sensitivity persist after using desensitizing toothpaste.
Photograph of two different brands of anti-calculus toothpaste.

Anti-calculus toothpaste

The manufacturer claims that the calcification of dental plaque could be retarded by this kind of toothpaste, thus it reduces the rate of calculus formation. The active ingredient is Pyrophosphate or Zinc Citrate, etc.
Photograph of two different brands of anti-plaque toothpaste.

Anti-plaque toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces the toxic effects of the bacterial toxin on the tooth surrounding tissues, thereby reduces the chances of getting gum disease. In the market, different anti-plaque toothpastes contain different active ingredients such as Zinc Citrate.
Photograph of different brands of whitening toothpaste.

Whitening toothpaste

This kind of toothpaste contains relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect. The effects of the long term use of this kind of toothpaste are still unknown.