The UK’S leading dental charity has advised people to keep brushing their teeth with toothpaste – following the development of a solar-powered brush that has claimed to clean teeth without the need for toothpaste. The British Dental Health Foundation has maintained that using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day when brushing teeth is by far the best way to keep mouths healthy. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, underlined the importance of toothpaste to ones oral health. Dr Carter said: “It is absolutely vital that we stick with fluoride toothpaste when brushing our teeth, in order to maintain the good modern day levels of oral health. Good toothpastes, along with a steady brushing action, can remove harmful plaque and bacteria from the mouth, preventing such diseases as caries, gum disease and tooth loss. “Over the last century, the ingredients in toothpaste have developed to such an extent that it now offers us an exceptional level of protection against oral diseases such as decay and gum disease. “The addition of fluoride for instance, which was became common in toothpaste from the 1970s, helps strengthen enamel and makes the teeth more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride itself has played a vital role in improving our oral health and since it was introduced, levels of decay have dramatically fallen to less than half their previous levels.” Other important components in toothpastes include antibacterial agents such as Triclosan and zinc, which helps thwart gingivitis(gum inflammation) that if untreated can lead to periodontal disease the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. More recently whitening toothpastes have become very popular with special stain removers and abrasives to help restore the tooth’s natural whiteness. Iingredients inside toothpaste also provide the recipient with fresher breath, while sensitive toothpastes help prevent sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. As well as brushing teeth twice a day, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste, the Foundation advise the public to look after their oral health by cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, as well as seeing your dentist, as often as they recommend. Anyone in need of dental advice, about fluoride or any other matter is welcome to contact the National Dental Helpline (0845 063 1188), a free advice centre staffed my fully-qualified dental health advisors. Meanwhile, the new Japanese brush, which is currently in the prototype stage, has a solar panel at its base that transmits electrons to the head and reacts with acid in the mouth. Both then form a chemical reaction that supposedly breaks down plaque and kills bacteria. However, Dr Carter, says there could be many pitfalls to the idea and would advise a level of caution towards the gadget. Dr Carter said: “The components that make up today’s toothpaste are far too complex, for what essentially is a ‘gadget’, to replicate. I’m certain that more tests need to undergone to see if the brush can do what it claims and, in addition, to measure any potential long-term effects not using toothpaste may have on an individual. “As we know of, there is yet no substitute for brushing our teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – and I cannot see that changing.” The company responsible for the brush is currently conducting a study to determine how teenagers rate the solar powered toothbrush in comparison with a regular toothbrush. Source: www.dentalhealth.org.