|
 There
are a lot of claims about toothpastes and mouthwashes. Consumers’
Union and other research groups have debunked a lot of the obviously
bogus ones, but even now assumptions and false claims abound. Let’s
go through what’s known so far:
•
Fluoride
Really hardens teeth and prevents cavities. Buy it.
• Whitening
toothpastes Works only in the sense that a dishrag will
whiten your dishes...if you have white dishes. CR found no whitening
in any toothpaste making that claim. Only method that works? Bleaching
by dentists.
• Tartar Control Works,
sort of. Doesn’t take existing tartar off, but absorbs minerals
in your saliva that could collect on your teeth.
•
Desensitizing
Works sometimes, if you have pain or sensitivity from receding gums.
But not if you have pain from cavities, tooth-grinding, etc....which
are the sources of most dental pain.
• Hydrogen peroxide Doesn’t
do any good. In fact, may add more problems with decay and bad breath
by drying mouth. Same with the alcohol in mouthwashes.
•
Triclosan
Found in Colgate Total and other pastes: Cautious yes, seems to
keep killing decay germs for hours after brushing.
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