I recently came across an article titled, "Why toothpaste is a scam" where the author alleges that they have not noticed a difference when not using a toothpaste vs using one.
While toothpaste isn't absolutely necessary, its benefits are certain helpful and very welcomed by dentist and the rest of the population around the world.
Before I explain to you all of the wonderful benefits of using toothpaste, you should ask yourself if this passes the sniff test. This test will probably answer your question of whether it is a scam or not.
The Sniff Test
Rather than asking if toothpaste is a scam, you should ask yourself if you're willing to intimately kiss someone who does not brush their teeth.
Would you kiss someone who doesn't brush their teeth?
Would you rather kiss someone who brushes their teeth using toothpaste or one without?
I don't know about you but as a dentist, I'm already scared beyond my wits in kissing non-dental professionals... Now you're adding in the possibility that said person may not be using toothpaste or even brushing at all... I'm scared for my dear life!
That is essentially the "sniff test."
Not necessary but extremely helpful
You may not believe it but toothpaste isn't absolutely necessary but if it's available to you, it is highly recommended that you use it rather than not use it.
Putting aside most of its touted benefits, one of the primary purposes of using toothpaste is to facilitate the cleansing of teeth.
Stain removal. Colored beverages especially coffee, tea, and red wine can leave extrinsic stains on your teeth. One of the simplest ways to remove it is with toothpaste.
Plaque removal. Oral bacteria naturally multiply and adhere to the surfaces of the dentition. Toothpaste can help remove it and prevent it from adhering.
Food removal. Stuck food can be more easily removed with toothpaste when brushing.
Overall, using toothpaste leads to a cleaner and fresher mouth.
Analogy: The best analogy that I can give you for using toothpaste is how dish soap while not absolutely necessary for cleaning dishes, it is certainly extremely helpful to use it.
You can certainly remove stuck food without detergent but it requires a lot more effort and time.
The same is true of toothpaste because there ARE detergents such as SLS or milder soaps (cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, etc).
Therefore, the purpose of toothpaste is to improve efficiency and efficacy of your life.
Toothpaste benefits
With that out of the way, let's talk about all of the wondrous benefits that come with using toothpaste when you brush your teeth.
Benefits of toothpaste:
Cleans. One of the primary purposes is to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth clean by faciliating the removal of stains, foods, and plaque.
Whitens. Mild abrasives or peroxide can help whiten the teeth.
Anti-cavity. Fluoride or hydroxyapatite can help prevent cavities and also reverse incipient carious lesions.
Anti-sensitivity. Potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, and hydroxyapatite can help block teeth sensitivity.
Reduces halitosis. Some toothpastes contain zinc which can help reduce bad breath.
Reduces bacteria. Fluoride has antibacterial properties. There are also anti-tartar agents that prevent plaque from accumulating on the enamel surface.
Isn't it impressive that toothpaste can have all of these effects? All of these effects are derived from the various ingredients in toothpaste. Some of them are "active" while others are "inactive" but they all contribute to its overall effect.
Takeaway
It is of my professional opinion as well as the rest of our dentists in Long Island City, that toothpaste is not a scam. It's benefits are undeniable and it would be prudent to use it than not use it especially if you can afford to do so.
Using toothpaste can help keep cavities and gum disease at bay at least until you're due for your next dental checkup. If you haven't had an oral examination in over a year, you're definitely due to get one. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists if you're nearby in NY, we are accepting new patients!
