Subject: The Liquid Effect
cited www.smile-on.com
Liquid toothpaste is 35 percent more effective in preventing cavities
that form between teeth than traditional toothpaste, according
to new research published in the current issue of Journal of the
American Dental Association (JADA).
The research, led by dentists Milton Fernando De A. Silva from
Brazil and Martin Giniger in the US, tested human subjects with
limited access to fluoridated drinking water and who also suffered
from a history of frequent tooth decay. Two forms of toothpaste
(liquid and paste) were introduced and the amount of fluoride
and other minerals were measured after being absorbed into the
enamel surfaces situated between the teeth.
They found that enamel exposed to the liquid toothpaste had 13
percent more fluoride uptake, which ultimately resulted in surfaces
that were 35 percent stronger compared to the similar tooth enamel
exposed to traditional toothpaste.
Dr Giniger said, `The reason why liquid dentifrice works better
than thicker, old-style toothpastes that have dominated the scene
for the last 70 years is because thinner fluids can more easily
penetrate into narrow spaces. Thus liquid toothpaste works like
fluoridated mouth rinses in that they can flow into areas that
toothbrush bristles are too big to fit into.
`We have found without any question that liquid toothpaste formats
outperform the old-fashioned pastes. Anyone who has ever watched
how the toothpaste stands on top of the toothbrush can clearly
see that the pastes are too thick to penetrate between the tiny
spaces between the bristles. Even when diluted with water while
brushing, toothpastes remain too gummy to really do an effective
job.'
Dr Giniger added that liquid products have different foaming properties
that give it better plaque removal ability, especially in hard
to reach areas that are more prone to cavities. He explained that
if people simply switched to one of commercially available liquid
alternatives, they would give their teeth an additional measure
of protection.
August 3, 2004
