¶ … Journal on a Lecture You have Attended About Toothpaste Today I learnt about/attended a lecture about the effects of fluoride and this study on fluoride is a new factor. While it was known that there was propaganda for the use of fluoride and against it, the propaganda was mostly a result of commercial market warfare. The myths surrounding the use of fluoride and the way some of these misconceptions have been dispelled are new. Secondly the importance of advising the patients on their choice of tooth paste has been made clear. The link between chemicals used in tooth paste and the effects of the chemicals has now been made clear. The benefits of fluoride toothpaste are shown to prevent caries in children and adolescents. The benefits of the chemical can be noticed with an increased presence, for which there must be fluoride concentrations of 1000 ppm and above. Higher fluoride concentration helps the fight against tooth decay. The issue is whether fluorosis could result in excessive use especially with toddlers. The risk must be balanced in small children between use of the chemical and formation of caries. (Wong; Clarkson; Glenny; Lo; Marinho; Tsang; Walsh; Worthington, 2011)

2) What I found interesting/wanted to know more about/didn't understand was that while fluoride was being touted by every tooth paste company, why was I not aware of its benefits? I...

After the lecture I researched the matter and found that the general public cannot be blamed because one of the major markets that companies fought for from 1960s are oral hygiene products that included the toothpaste and toothbrush industries. Researches by Colgate and Ami went to the market with fluoride and the approval of American Dental Association for this was given way back in 1964. What was mixed with the toothpastes of different brands was differentiated in the market and this was marketing strategy and not necessarily the best source for the dentist for authentic information. (Segrave, 2010)
The market welcomed fluoride, which enabled the sale of crest tooth paste for a long time. However the professional looks for more proof to be for decades America's top-selling brand. Now it can be shown authentically that toothpaste with flouride does have positive effects. The new toothpastes contain monofluorophosphate -- NaMFP, sodium fluoride -- NaF, and aqueous solutions. Researches indicate that there was some additional protective effect for the AmF beyond the simple free fluoride ion concentration. It is also known to stop demineralization and/or enhance remineralization, and help preserve the formation of dental enamel. (Toda; Featherstone, 2008) Now…