Diseases of the teeth (dentistry)

This category covers diseases of the teeth with symptoms, causes, diagnostics, treatment options, and prevention basics.

Whitening Toothpaste: How It Works and What to Expect

Whitening toothpastes can indeed make teeth appear brighter, but they often don't "whiten the teeth from the inside," but rather remove surface stains. The primary mechanism of most such toothpastes is abrasive and chemically enhanced cleaning of enamel from pigments from coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, and other dyes.

Toothpaste Abrasiveness: What Does the RDA Mean?

The abrasiveness index of toothpaste is most often indicated as RDA - Relative Dentin Abrasivity, relative abrasiveness in relation to dentin.

Can Toothpaste Damage Enamel: Abrasiveness and RDA

Regular toothpaste, when used properly, generally does not damage healthy enamel. The American Dental Association states that normal brushing with a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is unlikely to cause significant erosive wear to enamel.

How much fluoride should be in an adult's toothpaste?

For most adults, the optimal daily guideline is a toothpaste with 1350-1500 ppm fluoride. A toothpaste with 1450 ppm falls well within this range and is suitable for routine daily cavity prevention. The UK's evidence-based guideline, Delivering Better Oral Health, strongly recommends that adults brush their teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing 1350-1500 ppm fluoride.

Fluoride or Non-Fluoride Toothpaste: Which Is Better and Safer?

For most adults and children, fluoride toothpaste remains a more effective choice for cavity prevention than regular non-fluoride toothpaste. The World Health Organization recommends brushing twice daily with a toothpaste containing 1000-1500 ppm fluoride.

How to choose a toothpaste: fluoride, composition, and active ingredients

For most adults, choosing a toothpaste can start with one parameter: it should contain fluoride in a preventative concentration.

How often should you really visit your dentist: timing of checkups

There's no universal rule that says "you need to see your dentist twice a year." For an adult with healthy teeth and gums, good hygiene, and a low risk of new diseases, a preventative checkup every 12-24 months may be sufficient.

How saliva protects teeth from cavities and acids

Saliva is one of the main natural defense mechanisms of teeth. It constantly washes away some sugars, food debris, and bacterial waste, dilutes and neutralizes acids, supplies the enamel surface with calcium and phosphates, helps fluoride restore the tooth's mineral composition, and forms a thin protective protein film on the enamel.

Does carbonated water harm teeth and tooth enamel?

Plain, unsweetened, unflavored carbonated water generally does not pose a significant threat to tooth enamel.

How does tea affect the color of teeth and why do they darken?

Tea can indeed darken teeth gradually, but it usually stains primarily the surface of the teeth rather than changing the underlying color of the enamel and dentin.

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