GColgate total strengthens your teeth because it has the maximum concentration of fluoride in 1450ppm. Fluoride works to prevent decay in three ways. Firstly fluoride helps remineralise the enamel of the tooth by attracting ions the damaged area. Secondly, Fluoride hardensthe hydroxyapatite in the enamel of the tooth turning it into fluorapatite. Fluorapatite is more decay resistant than normal enamel. Finally, Fluoride also works to inhibit the growth of decay forming bacteria by limiting their metabolism.
Colgate total provides the maximum protection against decay and scores full marks on this section.
2) Gum Protection: Plaque and Tartar – Colgate Total Review
Don’t you hate it when there isn’t a simple answer? Colgate total contains a chemical called Triclosan. Triclosan is the best known chemical at fighting gum disease within toothpastes. It does come with it’s potential downsides though as the US Food and drug association (FDA) are reviewing it’s safety. TheFDA are concerned about reports and research about whether triclosan is harmful to health. The studies indicate that triclosan:
Alters hormone regulation in animals
May cause changes to the immune system
May produce development of antibiotic resistant bacteria
Having said all this the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom have licensed the product. The MHRA would not license the product if they did not think it was safe. Colgate total contains only a small amount of triclosan however ifyou want to play it safe I would stay away from triclosan containing products especially if you are pregnant.
3)Sensitivity – Colgate total review
Colgate total does not contain a specific chemical to reduce sensitivity. However the high fluoride concentration in this toothpaste will help protect against some dentine hypersensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be caused by a multitude of factors:
Worn down enamel from brushing too firmly with a toothbrush
Receding gums causing the root of the tooth to be exposed
Night grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Fluoride can help reduce sensitivity by remineralising some of the worn down enamel and strengthening the enamel. This will not have as great an effect as specialised desensitising agents such as