Why is oral care the new skincare

Ingredients/chemicals you should avoid when it comes to oral care products

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Buying toothpaste at your neighbourhood supermarket may be a total no-brainer, but it's important for you to know that there are certain ingredients that you should avoid. According to the experts at Zenyum, it's been said that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) — a common ingredient found in toothpaste to create foaming when a person brushes their teeth — can cause side effects such as mouth ulcers, canker sores, allergic reactions and even break down the enamel on your teeth. Not only that, but SLS is also the chemical that makes drinking orange juice incredibly unpleasant. Some of the other ingredients you should look out for to avoid would be alcohol and parabens.

Key ingredients/chemicals you should look out for in toothpaste

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While we're on the topic of toothpastes, there are certain ingredients that will do wonders for your smile. Some of these key chemicals that you'll find in a good and trusty toothpaste formula include:

Fluoride: For people who are not averse to fluoride, it is still a very effective and well-researched enamel strengthening ingredient.

Xylitol: When combined with fluoride in toothpaste, xylitol is said to help reduce tooth decay, inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria and the incidence of gum disease.

Hydroxyapatite: Used as a treatment against cavities, this particular ingredient helps in remineralising (rebuild) tooth structure.

Papain: A natural teeth-whitening ingredient.

Betaine: When used in toothpaste, this ingredient helps to relieve dryness in the mouth for a more refreshing finish.

Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush

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Brushing your teeth is the foundation of a good oral care routine. And while manual toothbrushes are affordable and easy to use, many are now elevating their routine and are investing in electric toothbrushes. But what makes it any different you might ask?

Well, according to the team at Zenyum, it's been said that "electric toothbrushing promotes correct dental cleaning, saves time and has a soothing massaging effect on the gums."

According to research, Chief Executive of Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE also mentioned, “Electric toothbrushes...are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. As the science behind the advantages of electric toothbrushes is mounting, the decision whether to invest in one becomes much easier.”

Choosing the right brush heads

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Does the size of your toothbrush heads matter? While choosing the size and shape of your toothbrush is mostly a personal preference, choosing one that's smaller can be more beneficial for you as it allows you to reach tight spaces and clean more effectively. A good example would be Zenyum's Sonic Clean Gentle Brush Heads. Featuring slim 0.101mm bristles, a u-shaped contour, and a flexible brush neck, these brushes help you to have a deeper clean that's more efficient than traditional brush heads, leaving your teeth and gums feeling fresh and healthy. What's more, it's also been reported that gentle brushing is 3 times more effective than regular brushing and the benefits range from improving gum health to ensuring fresher breath throughout the day.

Why do your teeth need a different toothpaste for day and night

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Haven't heard of toothpaste for your day and night routines? Well, it's about time you should.

Similar to skincare where one applies sunblock during the day and uses a serum at night to nourish the skin, the team at Zenyum mentioned that "our teeth go through differing routines and exposures from day to night. During the day, as you’re out and about drinking coffee with friends or perhaps eating spicy acidic food, the day toothpaste works as your teeth enamel protector. On the other hand, the night toothpaste has been designed to soothe and relieve sensitivity as you sleep and rejuvenate through the night."

 

How long do you need to brush your teeth when using the day and night toothpastes

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It's recommended that you have a brush-time of at least 2 minutes with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. On top of that, once you've noticed that your brush bristles start flaring out, it’s a sign to change your toothbrush, which is about every 2 to 3 months.