The industry of oral hygiene products is expanding every day as the advent of new technologies makes people focus on a particular manufacturer. In this regard, the development of gel toothpastes, which are designed for a narrow target segment - pastes for children and pastes for sensitive teeth, is very promising.
Why is this type of toothpaste popular?
Today, such pastes have gained great popularity among consumers. The secret of this popularity is associated with the specific properties that gel toothpastes have. First of all, it is necessary to note the structure of such toothpastes. Gel structure is understood to mean a structured dispersed system with an aqueous medium having plasticity and elasticity. Elements of the structural spatial network of the gel can be formed using swollen macromolecular tangles, or particles of a liquid or solid dispersed phase.
Photos of gel toothpastes are presented in the article.
What are gels in toothpastes?
A special structure for such pastes is given by special gelling agents, or hydrocolloids, which can act:
- cellulose compounds (hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) ;
- seaweed components (carrageenans, sodium alginate);
- gum (guar, xanthan, carob);
- various starch derivatives (sodium carboxymethyl starch, dextran);
- pectins.
Due to the introduction of gelling agents, the consistency and structure of toothpastes is significantly improved, their cleansing effect is enhanced, since a stable finely dispersed foam is formed that does not depend on the chemical nature of the applied surface-active element.
Gel toothpastes are easily dispersible in water, and also contribute to the rapid release of active ingredients, especially anti-inflammatory additives and fluorine compounds, accelerating the therapeutic and preventive effects of the paste. Due to the gel network structure, the active ingredients are well kept in the paste, without interacting with each other, which significantly expands the possibilities for the manufacture of new pastes and the introduction of a large number of various elements into their content. Another important property of gel pastes for teeth is their transparency.
Properties of these toothpastes
There are many varieties of gel toothpastes on the market today, but how does this type of hygiene product differ from others? Firstly, such pastes are transparent, and secondly, they do not contain calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide and other abrasive substances that severely scratch the enamel of sensitive teeth, which extremely negatively affects milk teeth. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the fact that artificial dyes, which adversely affect the walls of the digestive organs and tooth enamel, are usually not added to gel toothpastes.
Therefore, children's gel toothpastes are so popular.
Features of the choice of toothpaste
What should I look for when choosing a gel paste? First is age:
- up to 4 years (lack of fluorine and a minimum amount of abrasive substances, the paste should be as safe as possible when accidentally swallowed);
- from 4 to 8 years (during this period there is an active change of teeth, inflammatory processes can occur in the mouth, which is why the content of paste components is important, which prevent the development of caries and have a bactericidal effect);
- from 8 to 14 years (during this period, almost all teeth are molars, therefore, the content of abrasive components and fluorine is allowed, the composition of the paste is close to that of pastes for adults).
Secondly, the content of the hygiene product:
- the presence of fluorine (this is a rather toxic element, therefore its use in gel pastes is a controversial issue because fluorine begins to be actively absorbed already in the oral cavity);
- abrasive substances (elements such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate aggressively affect the structure of enamel, and titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide in this case are more preferred);
- foaming agents (care should be taken that there is no such toxic substance as sodium lauryl sulfate in these pastes, however, gelling agents have a high foaming ability);
- binding components (resins of trees, plants and algae).
Types and their description - Babyline toothpaste
Babyline Gel Toothpaste is intended for children aged 2-10 years. It has a pleasant aroma of orange, soft structure, effectively protects against tooth decay. This product is sugar free and is safe if swallowed accidentally.
This hygiene product is produced in various versions - for adults, children, in the form of a gel, lotions and pastes. The gel-shaped agent reduces pain in diseases of the oral cavity, has a pronounced healing effect on the periodontal structure and strengthens the gums. The composition of this species contains propolis extract, many vitamins and minerals (A, D 3 , C, B 3 , B 9 , B 6 , coenzymes and calcium). This gel paste is very pleasant to the taste, in the children's version it is safe to swallow, suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
Giffarine Giffy Farm Toothpaste
Giffarine Giffy Farm is a baby toothpaste designed for baby teeth. It contains natural plant extracts and aminofluoride - an element that strengthens tooth enamel and protects it from damage. Gel toothpaste gently cleans children's teeth, freshens breath and strengthens gums. Thanks to plant extracts, it has a positive effect on the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth, eliminates the phenomenon of bleeding gums, and serves as a prophylactic against various infections. A pleasant strawberry and orange flavor, bright packaging of pasta are very popular with children. Benefits of this gel toothpaste for children:
- organic composition;
- strengthening teeth and gums;
- pleasant taste.
Natural fluoride-free gel paste that is suitable for people of all ages. It has a soft texture, does not contain abrasive particles and is ideal for hygiene of sensitive and milk teeth.
Pros and cons of gel pastes
The advantages of these hygienic products are obvious - gel pastes do not irritate the mucous membrane, act gently, foam well and are suitable for children. They are used for bleeding gums, for a variety of periodontal pathologies. Their main disadvantage is that such pastes are not able to deal with deposits on the teeth.
Reviews about gel toothpastes
This type of toothpastes is very popular today. They are good because they can be used by children, they are safe to swallow and do not damage tooth enamel. In consumer reviews, the most popular product of this line is Babyline paste. People note that children really like it, it has a low cost and soft structure.
Consumers consider the Asepta oral care complex to be another good remedy. Among them there are gel pastes that can be selected taking into account age restrictions and use them with the whole family. These toothpastes are effective in protecting against tooth decay, and people say they’re less likely to see dentists when they are used.