There are many types of tooth gels a person may use. Among them are toothpastes, whitening gels, and even those made to reduce toothache pain. Some tooth gel is made of all-natural ingredients while others contain chemicals. Gels also vary in terms of the types of sweeteners they contain. Some include sugar substitutes, for example, while others contain natural sweeteners.
Some tooth gels are used for brushing teeth, helping to keep the mouth smelling fresh and loosening bits of food that get stuck on or between the teeth. This type of gel works like toothpaste to prevent the development of cavities. In fact, toothpastes are strikingly similar to tooth gel, except that gels are often translucent and more gooey than toothpastes. Many dentists consider both toothpastes and tooth gels acceptable as long as they contain fluoride, a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay.
Some tooth gels are used to whiten the teeth. They contain whitening agents, such as peroxide, for bleaching the teeth, getting rid of stains and discoloration. An individual interested in such a treatment may go to his dentist for in-office treatment or make use of over-the–counter whitening kits that he can use on his own. In-office whitening treatments usually contain more potent levels of whiteners, bleaching teeth faster and more effectively. Over-the-counter kits, on the other hand, are usually less expensive and do not require trips to the dentist.
Some tooth gels are designed to help relieve the pain caused by toothaches. They can be used instead of or in addition to internal medications that relieve tooth pain, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. This type of tooth gel is applied to the gum in the area that is painful and provides only temporary relief from mouth pain. It may work best on minor pain or soreness, as it is often ineffective when used to treat severe toothache pain. In fact, it may be more effective for relieving the discomfort felt by teething babies or those with painful mouth sores.
An individual interested in tooth gel will find a wide variety of products from which to choose. He may select from among many well-known tooth-care products produced by a wide variety of major manufacturers. These products are often proven effective but may contain chemicals and artificial ingredients that some people would rather avoid. For these individuals, there are many all-natural products from which to choose. Individuals interested in all-natural products may have to do some research to find out whether or not they work as advertised.