The pH level in the mouth is lower after eating. It is during this time that fluoride is able to reduce the activity of the mutans streptococci. Fluoride is found in many tooth cleaners as well as being applied to the teeth by the dentist at regular visits. There are many toothpastes that promise better results in cleaning tooth surfaces as well as helping to control plaque growth and tartar control. The cleaning power of a toothpaste depends on its ability to remove stains from the surface of the tooth.
Toothpastes contain gentle abrasives to help clean tooth surfaces.
Most toothpastes contain fluoride. Some use stannous fluoride while others use sodium fluoride or sodium monofluoroshosphate. Tartar control toothpastes contain pyrophosphates to slow the buildup of tartar above the gumline. The most important factors to reduce the buildup of plaque on tooth surfaces is regular brushing, twice a day and flossing to remove debris that is between the teeth. In this report you read about tooth decay, tooth development and structure, bacteria relating to dental cavities, and preventative measures to avoid tooth decay.