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Wondering which toothpaste to choose?
Wondering which toothpaste to choose?The one that has stannous fluoride or toothpaste with sodium fluoride. Look no further. To understand which kind of toothpaste is right for you, it is important that you learn about the commonly used fluorides in oral care products, such as toothpaste. Fluoride is an active ingredient used in toothpaste.
Both stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride are effective sources of fluoride ions that work beneficially in remineralizing and strengthening weak enamel to fight cavities. Additionally, when ingredients such as triclosan and potassium nitrate are added to oral care products that contain these fluorides, they help fight gingivitis and sensitivity. To know more about them, their advantages and risks, take a look at this guide below.
Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride: Overview
Fluorides, namely stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride are formed when the element fluorine is combined with metal or other substances. Stannous fluoride, another mineral of sodium fluoride family was introduced in 1950, and was added to toothpaste until the cheaper alternative and better tasting, sodium fluoride developed. Nevertheless, both these fluorides when used in oral care products help strengthen and repair enamel that is weakened by acids, preventing decay. Stannous fluoride should not be used like an ordinary toothpaste. It should be applied after brushing and should be left for about 25- 30 minutes before one resumes eating or drinking. Sodium Fluoride, on the other hand, can also be used as an oral supplement. However, it is highly advisable not to go beyond the recommended daily dosage combined from various sources.
Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride: Benefits
Oral products that contain stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride play a crucial role in helping maintain good oral health. Take a look at some of their benefits listed below-
Stannous Fluoride in Oral Healthcare Products: Benefits
- Reduce bacteria in the mouth: Stannous fluoride contains strong antibacterial properties that help reduce the bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, since acids in the mouth are usually produced by bacteria, using a stannous fluoride product helps decrease the production of acids, reducing the risk of developing cavities and decay. For best results, brush your teeth with a stannous fluoride toothpaste at the same hour once every day.
- Reduce Tooth Sensitivity: One of the most common oral health problem experienced by people worldwide, tooth sensitivity usually results from exposed dentinal tubules, caused due to gingival recession and loss of cementum. Using a toothpaste containing stannous fluoride helps occlude dental tubules, restraining the movement of fluids in the tubules, reducing nerve stimulation.
- Dry Mouth Remedy: Patients with xerostomia or those suffering from dry mouth symptoms can benefit greatly by using stannous fluoride oral products. The production of saliva is important to help protect one with acid and tooth decay. Using Stannous fluoride oral products can help those whose salivary glands to do produce enough saliva to keep their mouth and teeth healthy.
Sodium Fluoride in Oral Healthcare Products: Benefits
- Prevent cavities and tooth decay: Using a sodium fluoride oral care product causes the fluoride to be absorbed by teeth enamel, making the teeth more resistant and stronger to the acids that can cause tooth decay.
- Repair enamel: Using a sodium chloride toothpaste not only thwart oral bacteria to create enamel-eroding acids in your mouth but also help remineralize weakened enamel before it dissolves and disappears.
- A versatile Ingredient: Apart from being used by both and children for superior dental benefits, using a sodium fluoride toothpaste works beneficially for any type of tooth, whether it is been serving your healthy mouth for decades or has just erupted.
Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride: Risks
Stannous Fluoride in Oral Healthcare products: Risks
- Requires Prescription: Stannous fluoride is medicated toothpaste and requires a prescription, especially if children below 12 years of age are using it.
- Stain teeth: Apart from having a metallic taste, toothpaste with stannous fluoride can cause temporary teeth staining if it is overused. To remove these stains, it is best that you contact your dentist.
- Allergic reactions: In rare cases, using an oral product containing stannous fluoride can cause allergic reactions such as dizziness, itching or trouble in breathing. If this happens, it is highly recommended that you contact your doctor immediately.
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Sodium fluoride in Oral Healthcare products: Risks
- Fluorosis: A condition that causes brown spots and mottling on the teeth surface, Fluorosis usually occurs when the sodium fluoride level in higher than the normal level (1ppm) in any oral health care product. Although this condition does not affect dental health, it cannot be reversed and does require cosmetic treatment for treating it.
- Risk of skeletal issues: the use of excess fluoride can often lead to a risk of skeletal issues known as skeletal fluorosis. In this condition, one experiences stiffness or pain due to the build of fluoride in and around the bones of the body. As a result of this condition, a person experiences mobility issues.
- Hypothyroidism: Adding sodium fluoride to water can often contribute or worsen existing thyroid conditions. Guidelines have been issued by the government on the intake of fluoride both children and adults.
Both stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride toothpaste contain minerals that can help you achieve a good oral care. Both these fluorides help prevent cavities, decay and help strengthen the acid weakened enamel. However, unlike sodium fluoride, accidentally swallowing stannous fluoride may cause harm. To know about the fluoride content in toothpaste, check the tube or packaging. This will not only help you learn about the active ingredient used in the toothpaste( sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride) but also help you determine the percent or amount of volume. In addition, when buying any fluoride toothpaste, whether sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride, it is important that get the one that has ADA seal of acceptance. Having the American Dental Association (ADA) can help you determine the fluoride content of toothpaste to attain safe and effective results.
Learning about the benefits and risks of toothpaste with Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride and using toothpaste moderately and properly will not only help you find the right kind of toothpaste for your needs and requirements, but will also have healthy teeth and mouth all your life.
Absorption
Absorption is an essential process that takes place in our body, particularly in the digestive system. It involves the movement of nutrients from the food we eat into our bloodstream, where they are transported throughout the body to support various functions. Absorption occurs in the small intestine, where nutrient molecules are broken down and then transported into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall.
One important aspect of absorption is the role of enzymes. These are proteins that catalyze the breakdown of larger nutrient molecules into smaller ones that can be easily absorbed by the body. For instance, enzymes in the small intestine break down proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Without enzymes, the nutrients in food would not be broken down into their usable forms and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Another critical factor in absorption is the surface area of the small intestine. The small intestine has millions of tiny finger-like projections called villi and microvilli. They increase the surface area of the small intestine, which helps in the absorption of nutrients. The villi and microvilli are lined with cells that absorb nutrients and transport them into the bloodstream. The increased surface area provided by the villi and microvilli ensures that there is enough space for maximum nutrient absorption.
In conclusion, absorption is an essential process that takes place in our body after we consume food. It relies on enzymes to break down nutrients into usable forms and the small intestine’s villi and microvilli to ensure maximum absorption. Absorption provides the body with the necessary nutrients to support its functions and maintain overall health.
What is the difference between stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride, and what are the pros/ cons of each?
I found one or the other in different tubes of toothpaste. Just curious about their differences (other than the obvious tin vs sodium). Thanks.
Stannous fluoride is very good for your teeth. It has been shown to be antibacterial, yet it stains your teeth. Sodium fluoride does not. There is some new toothpastes out there with a small degree of bleaching gel to compensate for the staining, hope this helps
What is stannous fluoride and is it better than sodium fluoride in toothpaste?
I have noticed most toothpastes contain Sodium fluoride as the main active ingredient. However, I recently had used Crest Pro Health toothpaste which contains stannous fluoride. On the tube of the Crest Pro Health it said something like, stannous fluoride may cause stains that can be removed by a dentist. I have since stopped using that toothpaste as I want to remove stains not acquire them from this stannous fluoride. Anyone know why it says that on the tube and if stannous fluoride is better or worse than sodium fluoride?
yes, as long as the right amount is in the toothpaste…make sure you use once with the ADA approval seal……
Hello. Should there be any concern with using a stannous fluoride toothpaste and having sodium fluoride varnish treatments? Thanks a bunch.
Dear Holly, Is stannous fluoride better than sodium fluoride at fighting cavities?
Yes, but be aware that it does stain tartar, which can be removed when you go to the dentist, but can look quite unattractive until then.
Why does toothpaste with stannous fluoride work better than sodium monofluorophosphate at preventing cavities?
Both types of fluoride prevent tooth decay by fortifying tooth enamel through remineralization and protection against acid erosion caused by bacteria.
However, stannous fluoride is also anti-microbial, which means that it inhibits bacteria proliferation in the mouth. Bacteria leads to acid erosion; less bacteria means less acid erosion and a lower risk of tooth decay.
It’s getting harder and harder for me to find the toothpaste that doesn’t have stannous fluoride in it. Everything used to be sodium fluoride, and I didn’t notice the change until the last time I bought toothpaste and gagged on the terrible aftertaste. A look at the ingredients on the back of the box showed “stannous fluoride” as the active ingredient, and as far as I can tell it’s the only thing that’s different. I spent a long time in the toothpaste aisle at Target after that incident, and it looks like almost everything except the basic “tartar control” toothpaste either list it as an active ingredient or sneak it further down in the ingredients list. Why are the companies transitioning away from the usual sodium fluoride? Is it cheaper? Better at preventing decay or boosting whitening? The aftertaste is terrible!
Does anyone else notice a difference in the taste/aftertaste of toothpaste with stannous fluoride?
“Aim” still uses sodium fluoride. I recently had to switch to a stannous fluoride toothpaste because of sensitive nerves after an extraction.
I noticed and I hate the new stannous flouride aftertaste. No ADA approval either. I had to buy AIM bc its the only one left using the tried and true flouride. It tastes great and does a great job. I also use listerine to kill bacteria. We dont need that in a toothpaste too.
In Victoria, Australia, the water authorities put in the following fluorides to a combined 1ppm level…Sodium Fluoride NaF, Sodium Fluorosilicate, Na2SiF6, Fluorosilicic Acid H2SiF6.
With these last three I think the govt means to slowly exterminate us. What do you think?
This one is easy. Aussies love a race and competition. Get three authorities to drink the water, promise a keg of good beer to the winner and have a Kiwi hold the money. I don’t know what would happy but it might be educational. No worries, if an authority is lost and others will come to replace them.