Recently, Xiao Ai saw many fans and friends in the background about toothpaste:
"Why do some toothpastes have such a big price gap? Is expensive necessarily better than cheap? "
"I heard that some toothpastes contain fluoride, is it safe? Are there alternatives to consider? "
"I see some toothpastes labeled 'natural' or 'additive-free,' are these products really safer?"
First, what is the difference between 5 yuan and 25 yuan toothpaste in the supermarket?
The price of toothpaste on the market varies greatly, from 5 yuan to 25 yuan or more. So what's the difference between these toothpastes with price differences? Which one should I buy?
According to the experiment of the Beijing Consumer Association, they compared 64 different types of toothpaste products produced by 28 companies, including ordinary toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, Chinese herbal toothpaste, etc., with prices ranging from 1 yuan to 23 yuan. The experimental results showed that despite the huge price difference, there was no significant difference in the quality of these toothpastes.
In addition, Li Xiaojun, director of the periodontal department of Zhejiang Provincial Stomatological Hospital, also said that there is no difference in ingredients and efficacy between domestic toothpaste priced at about 10 yuan and imported toothpaste priced at about 40 yuan.
So, since there is not much difference, why do some toothpastes have such a big difference in price?
Experts believe that in the past, toothpaste products were relatively simple in function, most of them were only used to clean the mouth, and the ingredients were mainly abrasives and some foaming agents. But nowadays, most toothpastes are functional toothpastes that claim to have whitening, anti-moth, desensitization, hemostatic effects, and more. This, coupled with brand influence and imported labels, led to soaring prices.
However, a high price does not necessarily mean better quality. The basic function of toothpaste is to clean the mouth, and all other functions are auxiliary. If the oral health is good, it is enough to use a general toothpaste. Therefore, the most important thing is to choose a toothpaste that suits your oral needs and budget, rather than just chasing the price.
At present, the three common functional toothpastes on the market are actually not as "divine" as advertised.
1. Anti-caries toothpaste
This type of toothpaste usually contains fluoride, such as sodium fluoride or amine fluoride. When brushing, fluoride releases fluoride ions, which attach to the surface of the tooth, strengthening the firmness of the tooth and thus preventing tooth decay. In general, people over the age of 6 can choose fluoride toothpaste.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial toothpaste
This toothpaste usually contains ingredients such as trichlorohydroxyphenyl ether, zinc citrate, tocopherols, etc., which are used to solve problems such as bad breath and inflammation of the mouth. Some toothpastes may also contain prescription medications such as tranexamic acid and cipithonium chloride, which can relieve bleeding gums, inhibit plaque, and more. However, unauthorized use of such toothpaste may cover up more serious periodontal problems, and if there is bleeding, inflammation, etc. in the mouth, it is recommended to use it as directed by a doctor.
3. Anti-allergic toothpaste
Tooth sensitivity is a common oral problem manifested as tooth pain when eating cold, hot, acidic foods. Desensitizing toothpaste may contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate and domifene, which act on the pulp nerves to relieve external irritants and reduce pain. In addition, some desensitized toothpastes may contain strontium salts, which can block external irritants and reduce the impact of irritating substances on teeth, thereby reducing tooth sensitivity.
Second, these toothpastes contain toxic ingredients and have a potential cancer risk
Huang Lu, director of Helen Dental Center and member of the Chinese Stomatological Association, reminded that when choosing toothpaste, it is necessary to carefully read the ingredient list to ensure that the toothpaste selected is safe, and toothpaste containing the following 5 ingredients should be avoided as much as possible.
1. Triclosan (TCS)
According to a study in Nature Communications, some toothpastes contain an antimicrobial agent called triclosan (TCS), which can cause damage to the human intestine, causing enteritis, while also increasing the incidence of related intestinal tumors.
In addition, triclosan can also adversely affect the endocrine system, especially on female sex hormones. Therefore, women who are trying to get pregnant, pregnant, lactating, and children are not recommended to use toothpaste containing triclosan for a long time.
2. Titanium dioxide
A study by the French National Institute of Agriculture showed that 40% of animals exposed to titanium dioxide for a long time developed precancerous lesions in the intestinal mucosa.
3. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), benzethonium chloride (BET) and chloroxylenol (PCMX)
These antimicrobial compounds may disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora and are detrimental to gut health. Prolonged exposure of laboratory animals to low doses may increase or worsen the occurrence of colitis and related colon tumors.
3. How to buy the right toothpaste for yourself?
When choosing toothpaste, the taste and color can often be determined according to personal preferences, but different groups of people have different priorities when it comes to ingredients.
It's important to note that avoid using the same toothpaste all the time. If the same toothpaste is used for a long time, bacteria in the mouth may become resistant to the antimicrobial components in that toothpaste. In particular, toothpaste with special ingredients is used, which can lead to an imbalance of the flora in the oral cavity, which negatively affects oral health.
Also, try not to share a toothpaste as a family. Avoid the possibility that bacteria in the mouths of family members can spread through the toothbrush to the mouth of the toothpaste tube, greatly increasing the risk of bacterial transmission.
Choosing the right toothpaste is critical to oral health, and smart choices should be made based on age and oral needs, as well as attention to oral hygiene and the spread of germs.
Resources:
[1] "Don't buy these 3 kinds of toothpaste, or induce cancer!" Some at home hurry up and throw them away...". Popular Science China.2022-02-28
[2] "Wrong toothpaste also hurts teeth!" It turns out that this is how dentists choose toothpaste, and now it is not too late to know! 》. Family Physician.2017-03-03
[3] What is the difference between a few dollars and dozens of dollars of toothpaste? How to choose? Finally clear...". I am Grand Doctor Guan Wei.2022-06-07
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