Description
What is Xtar® Whitening Toothpaste?
Xtar® Whitening Tartar Control Toothpaste contains potassium pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium fluoride. Xtar® toothpaste is a specialized toothpaste for calculus prone patients hence it is recommended only as toothpaste for calculus control. When toothpaste containing the soluble tetrasodium/ potassium pyrophosphate is applied to the teeth and gums, a chemical bonding process occurs.
In dentistry, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. It is caused by the precipitation of minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in plaque on the teeth. This process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within dental plaque, but the rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. This leads to calculus buildup, which compromises the health of the gingiva (gums). Calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival (“above the gum”), and within the narrow sulcus that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival (“below the gum”).
Calculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations, including bad breath, receding gums, and chronically inflamed gingiva. Brushing with special toothpaste and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms; however, once formed, calculus is too hard (firmly attached) to be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus buildup can be removed with ultrasonic tools or dental hand instruments (such as a periodontal scaler) or with the professional dental Toothpaste Xtar®.
- Pyrophosphates (crystal growth inhibitors) act as a chelating agent and removes calcium from the saliva to form a soluble complex that can be rinsed away with water thereby controlling new calculus buildup.
- Any calcium phosphate that has not yet bonded to teeth is attracted to the Sodium pyrophosphate. When the new compound mixes with water, it is completely dissolved.
- Fluoride also inhibits the metabolism of acid-producing bacteria thereby indirectly help in tartar-control in addition to controlling cavities.
- The toothpaste cannot dissolve the tartar that has already bonded with the enamel, but it can stop future deposits from forming.
How to use Xtar® Whitening Toothpaste?
Brush teeth thoroughly after each meal or at least twice a day. To minimize swallowing by a child use the only pea-sized amount. The child’s brushing and rinsing should be under adult supervision. For children under 2 years of age, consult a doctor/dentist.
- Xtar® should be recommended for a minimum of 8-12 weeks and after which the doctor should evaluate the results and continue further treatment
- Xtar® is a specialized toothpaste for calculus prone patients, hence it is recommended only as toothpaste for calculus control
