What is Mint Toothpaste?

Mint toothpaste is a tooth-cleaning paste or gel that is flavored with mint. There are several different varieties of mint toothpaste, each having a slightly different flavor, and often a different color as well. Wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint are three common flavors of mint toothpaste. Another popular toothpaste flavor, cinnamon, is often mixed with mint to create a fusion cleverly known as "cinnamint." The mint flavor serves to freshen the breath and leave a clean-mouth feeling, while the toothpaste itself is designed to cleanse the teeth, remove plaque buildup, and prevent gum disease.

Mint is a perennial herb that has a long history with oral hygiene. In the Middle Ages, people utilized crushed mint and other herbs as a crude mint toothpaste, to clean teeth, remove stains, and freshen breath. They also utilized mint in early mouthwashes and tooth whiteners.

Mint toothpaste has come a long way since the Middle Ages. Today, toothpaste comes in a vast number of formulations. The foundation for most toothpastes is an abrasive that assists the user in removing food and built-up plaque. In addition, toothpaste usually contains ingredients like foaming agents and fluoride, add-ins such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and anti-bacterial compounds that prevent gingivitis, a kind of gum disease. A consumer looking to purchase toothpaste will find that there are ample choices available to him or her, and no matter what the situation, there is most likely a toothpaste that will fit the bill.

Toothpaste is most often applied with a toothbrush. This long-handled, bristled, oral hygiene tool is capable of working in conjunction with the toothpaste in order to scrub the surfaces in, on, and around the teeth. An individual applies toothpaste to the bristles of the toothbrush, and works the brush around his or her mouth, using up and down and circular motions. It is recommended that an individual wishing to maintain optimal oral health should brush his or her teeth twice per day, for approximately three to four minutes per session.

Brushing the teeth with a mint or other flavored toothpaste is only one step toward achieving a healthy smile. There are many other products that can assist a person in improving and maintaining strong teeth. Floss and mouthwash are two products that, like toothpaste, can help remove and prevent plaque, fight gingivitis, and cleanse the mouth and breath. These items are also popularly flavored with mint. Toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash should all be combined with regular visits to a dental professional in order to execute the ideal routine for excellent oral hygiene.