Toothpaste is one such product that has been dominating the dental care market for a long. For decades now, Toothpaste, regardless of its brand, has left a hard mark on users. Using Toothpaste is not mandatory while brushing our teeth, but still more than 80% of the world is using it. A lot of us are not even familiar with the fact that Toothpaste isn’t the only product for dental hygiene. The dental care market is also frequented by-products like Toothpowder and Mouthwash.
Toothpowder is an age-old product, whereas Mouthwash has been in trend lately. One is traditional dental care, and the other is a modern alternative.
Difference between Toothpowder and Toothpaste
Toothpowder and Toothpaste are two dental care products.
A Toothpowder is a powder variant often made with natural and organic ingredients. The Toothpowder is an age-old dental product that has been a hit during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. They are perhaps free from potentially harmful chemicals. Toothpowders even contain less harmful colors or flavors and are made up of a few simplest ingredients.
According to some theories, Toothpowders originated some thousands of years ago. Back then, Toothpowders were made using herbal products. Toothpowders are dry and do not have humectants. However, lately, Toothpowders are less to be seen on supermarket shelves. You can now probably find them online and less in the regular market. The trend and popularity of Toothpowder have definitely declined.
Toothpaste, on the other hand, is the most popular and widely used dental care product. It is moist and smooth and usually contains Humectants. Toothpaste formulas traditionally consist of Fluoride, a proven compound for teeth and gum health. Toothpaste overtook the Toothpowder market in the mid of 20th century.
Unlike Toothpowder, Toothpaste is designed to be gentle on your teeth. These dental care products aren’t very abrasive and thus leave no side effects behind. Today, you can find Toothpaste just everywhere, whether it is in a supermarket or a small shop in some village.
Effectiveness of Toothpowder
According to several researches and studies, Toothpowders, when used with a brush, effectively remove plagues. Toothpowders are also known for controlling dental gingivitis. Less plaque buildup means reduced gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Toothpowders also help teeth remain stain free and clearly white. Toothpowders efficiently remove extrinsic (surface) stains due to their abrasive properties.
Effectiveness of Toothpaste
The effectiveness of Toothpaste is not unknown. Toothpaste that contains Fluoride is one of the most effective products for maintaining dental health. Brushing your teeth regularly with Fluoride toothpaste helps in preventing decay.
Simultaneously, Toothpaste with ingredients like calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate removes anything from your tooth’s surface. It also helps in controlling plaque and keeping teeth smooth and shiny.
Should I Switch To Toothpowder Instead of Toothpaste?
You can switch to Toothpowder as long as you are finding a Toothpowder that is working effectively for you. Presently, the dental care market has very few Toothpowder options.
However, if you still find a promising Toothpowder, make sure it does not have high abrasive content.
Toothpowders are usually more abrasive than Toothpaste simply due to their powdery nature. A bit of abrasive is useful for teeth cleaning, but the increased amount can starch your gums.
Toothpaste Vs Mouthwash
Toothpaste is a semi-solid formula that helps in cleaning teeth and gums. Mouthwash, on the other hand, is a liquid rinse. Mouthwash basically reaches areas where brush bristles find it difficult to clean. However, Mouthwash cannot replace Toothpaste since both serve different purposes.
A Toothpaste is meant for rubbing and cleaning all the external build-up from your teeth and gum. Whereas Mouthwash is an oral rinse that provides cavity protection, fights gum diseases, and reduces sensitivity. People generally use Mouthwash to freshen their breath. Swishing for thirty seconds with Mouthwash can leave your mouth fresh for the entire day. Mouthwash also reduces dry mouth and stimulates saliva production.
Can Mouthwash Substitute Toothpaste and Toothpowder?
No, not at all. Mouthwash is meant for use after brushing your teeth with Toothpaste or Toothpowder. In fact, even if you use Mouthwash as a Toothpaste alternative, remember it is a short-term fix.
You can substitute Mouthwash for a toothpaste for a very long. Doing so will not fulfil the real need to brush teeth. When you brush your teeth with Toothpaste or Toothpowder, you are removing sticky plaque and bacteria. However, all such jobs can’t be fulfilled with Mouthwash.
You can once in a while use Mouthwash instead of Toothpaste, but the former cannot prove an alternative in the long run.
Tooth Paste Vs Tooth Powder Vs Mouthwash- Pros and Cons
Toothpaste Pros and Cons
- Easy to Use.
- Very Easily Available.
- Fight against cavities and keeps teeth healthy and strong.
- Less abrasive than traditional toothpowders
- It smoothly polish and whitens your teeth
- Some toothpaste carries the risk of Dental fluorosis.
- Not all Toothpaste Manufacturers are transparent with their ingredients which can be harmful.
Toothpowder Pros and Cons
- It is more effective in removing stains.
- It can be made easily at home.
- It is more natural and organic and less chemicalized.
- It can be heavily abrasive.
- Using Toothpowder isn’t as easy as using Toothpaste.
- It can leave a weird aftertaste behind.
- Not all Toothpowders are accepted by ADA
Mouthwash Pros and Cons
- Its aids in additional cleaning of the overall mouth.
- It leads to healthy gum health.
- It is beneficial for fresher breath.
- It is easier to use and can be used at any time of the day.
- It has ingredients that strengthen enamel.
- It can cause irritation to many.
- It can kill good bacteria inside the mouth
Should I Use Mouthwash every day?
If your dentist recommends, you can use Mouthwash every day. In general, you can use Mouthwash twice a day when you brush your teeth. Even when you are not able to brush your teeth with any urgency, you can use Mouthwash for temporary cleaning. However, never substitute the usage of Toothpaste with Mouthwash.
Can I Drink Water After Using A Toothpaste Or A Mouthwash?
If your Toothpaste or Mouthwash contains Fluoride, wait for half an hour before you eat or drink something. Allow the product to do its job even when you have rinsed your mouth well. However, if your Toothpaste doesn’t carry Fluoride, it doesn’t matter if you immediately drink or eat something.
Hi, This is Lyn, I suffer from dental sensitivity for a very long time. PowerToothpaste.com is where I share my views of various toothpaste brands, along with tips on how to use toothpaste and what to look for when purchasing.
