Choosing the Right Toothpaste
A lot of people ask us what toothpaste we recommend. Our answer? Any fluoride toothpaste that will help you maintain a good oral health routine!
So many options!
We know you have many choices facing you in the toothpaste aisle, and it can be hard to figure out what’s best for you. Most people, however, can use any toothpaste that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This seal means that the toothpaste contains fluoride, has the right amount of abrasiveness (not too little and not too much), and has been shown to be both safe and effective for the intended use.
What About Sensitive Teeth?
If you have any sensitivity to dyes, preservatives, or certain ingredients, opt for a toothpaste that is free of those. Just make sure it has fluoride. We can’t say it enough: fluoride is your best form of cavity prevention!
People with sensitive teeth often have thinner enamel. Toothpaste with less abrasive material is better for this enamel. Sensodyne ProNamel Fresh Breath toothpaste has a low abrasion score in tests and contains a small amount of potassium nitrate, which can help numb sensitive teeth. It has a strong minty flavor. Another option is Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair toothpaste which is a little higher in abrasion but does not have as strong a mint flavor.
What About Gum Disease?
People with gum disease should choose a toothpaste that is low in abrasion since as the gums recede the roots are exposed and can be damaged by abrasive toothpaste. They also need a toothpaste that has ingredients to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth in order to prevent plaque formation. Colgate Total has a low amount of abrasion and also contains triclosan, an ingredient that is anti-bacterial. Crest Pro-Health is another good option. It has a higher amount of abrasion but contains stannous fluoride, which reduces bacteria.
What About Whitening Toothpaste?
Whitening toothpaste only removes surface-level staining, like that from coffee, tea, or red wine. It will not change the yellowing of the teeth. If you want to change the dentin, and whiten that deeper level, talk to us about our many options. We can help you get the smile you want. But if all you need is to maintain that perfect smile, or remove surface-level stains, then a whitening toothpaste such as Tom’s of Maine Simply White Natural Fluoride Toothpaste will work well. This toothpaste uses hydrated silica instead of chemicals to scrub away stains. Another good option would be Crest Pro-Health Extra Whitening Power. This is slightly grittier, but scrubs surface stains away and has a nice minty taste.
It’s the Brushing That Is Most Important
We’ve mentioned several kinds of toothpaste in this article, but we also have access to (and give as samples!) many other types. Your dental hygienist or dentist can give specific suggestions on what type of toothpaste is good for your individual situation.
But no matter what toothpaste you use, brushing properly is the most important thing. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes, making sure that you are spending time on each quadrant of the mouth, both inside (towards the tongue) and outside (by the cheek). Make sure that you have brushed each surface of each tooth and have scrubbed your tongue in order to remove as many bacteria as possible. Toothbrushes (or toothbrush heads if you are using a mechanical brush) should be replaced every 3 months or after you have been sick.
If You Have Any Questions, Ask Us!
We are here to help you. Talk to any member of your dental care team about questions or concerns. Call us today to make an appointment at 262-654-6535.