Little Rock Family Dental Care Blog

Toothpaste is your first line of defense against tartar and plaque buildups. Among other things, it’s responsible for neutralizing bacteria and helping you brush away stubborn food debris. But with so many different brands and types of toothpaste on the market, how do you know which variety to choose?

The next time you’re shopping for toothpaste, keep the following in mind:

Fluoride

Toothpaste containing fluoride is more effective at cleaning teeth and preventing dental caries than non-fluoride toothpaste. Also referred to as “nature’s cavity fighter,” fluoride helps clean away bacteria film (plaque) on the teeth and gums, which subsequently reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Fluoride is also known to strengthen tooth enamel and remineralize areas of decay, which is just one more reason you should use a toothpaste containing this beneficial mineral. (more…)

When your busy meticulously cleaning your eight incisors, eight premolars, eight molars and four canines, it’s easy to overlook your tongue. Besides, how much food debris and plaque can a tongue really hold? While dentists continue to debate over the effectiveness of tongue cleaning vs. regular brushing of the teeth, there’s strong evidence suggesting it can fight bad breath (halitosis) and neutralize bacteria.

The practice of tongue cleaning dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, but it didn’t spread beyond Europe until the 18th century. By the turn of the 19th century, tools were invented specifically for cleaning one’s tongue. These tools were often crafted of materials like silver, ivory, bone, and turtle shells.

Modern-day tongue cleaners may differ from 19th century models in terms of style and design, but their purpose remains the same: to remove buildups of food, bacteria, plaque and other unwanted “remnants.” A typical modern-day tongue cleaner looks similar in appearance to a toothbrush, but the head is larger and flatter with more bristles. This ergonomic design offers the highest level of comfort while effectively eliminating food debris on the tongue. (more…)