How to Find the Best Toothpaste for You
Toothpaste - an ally in the fight to prevent tooth decay
From burnt breadcrumbs, crushed bone and oyster shells, salts, ashes, and chalk, toothpaste has had quite the transformation throughout time. So let’s talk about a toothbrush’s best ally: toothpaste!
Toothpaste is great, if you remember to use it!
Options for Different Dental Care Needs
Do you have bleeding gums? Sensitive teeth? Looking for a whiter smile? These days, the dental health market has a toothpaste product for everything.
As helpful as it may be, one can feel easily overwhelmed by the endless options lining a store’s shelves.
Whichever specific problem you are trying to combat, toothpastes can typically be broken down into separate categories based solely on their varying active ingredients.
Toothpaste was used as far back as ancient Egypt.
TEETH TIDBIT:
Egyptians were the first documented people to use a toothpaste-like mixture for cleaning their teeth! Their recipes date all the way back to 4 A.D. and included: ox hoof ash, crushed rock salt, mint, dried iris flowers, and pepper!
Toothpastes by Type
Toothpaste is your toothbrush’s best friend!
Fluoridated toothpastes make up over 90% of sales in the industry and are probably what you currently use! Fluoride, its active ingredient, is vital for proper dental hygiene as it strengthens and maintains tooth enamel. Because of this, the American Dental Association (ADA) only puts their seal of approval on toothpastes that contain fluoride.
Sensitivity Toothpaste specializes in helping those suffering from tooth sensitivity. By using potassium nitrate and other special compounds that block microscopic holes in your teeth, this toothpaste protects your nerve endings and lessens pain caused by sensitivity.
Tartar Control toothpastes contain additional abrasive agents which assist in preventing plaque build-up that eventually hardens into tartar and can lead to gum disease. Some of the most effective ingredients in these toothpastes are pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, and triclosan—an antibiotic proven to kill bacteria in the mouth.
Teeth-Whitening is a common genre of toothpaste on the market that contain abrasive chemicals and/or particles that help polish teeth. Contrary to popular belief, these toothpastes often do not contain bleaches to aid with the whitening process.
Children’s Toothpastes deserves their own category as they generally have less fluoride and abrasive elements in their list of ingredients. Unlike adults, children don’t need the kind of intense cleaning that fully developed teeth do. It’s important to use toothpastes designed for children.
Anti-Gingivitus is a specially formulated type of toothpaste that often contains less abrasive materials and adds stannous fluoride to target tooth sensitivity and gum health. Toothpastes with this added element have been clinically proven to be up to 40% more effective at reducing bleeding gums.
Herbal toothpastes are popular among individuals that are sensitive to ingredients found in regular formulas. While these are found on the shelves, we do not recommend them as they usually don’t contain fluoride—a necessary ingredient for preventing tooth decay.
Naturally, different formulas produce different benefits, but the most important ingredient of a toothpaste isn’t squeezed out of a tube—it’s your dedication to use it regularly!
TEETH TIDBIT:
Timing is an important factor when brushing your teeth in the morning! If you’re a lover of coffee or other acidic drinks like orange juice in the morning, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. This helps you avoid damaging your teeth’s enamel!
How Do I Know Which Toothpaste is Right for Me?
Finding the perfect match for your toothbrush doesn’t have to be a struggle! Our dental health team at Alexandria Smiles has the knowledge to help you choose the most effective toothpaste for your individual needs, so be sure to ask us at your next appointment.
In the meantime, use whatever kind of toothpaste you happen to have on hand. But remember: no matter the brand, toothpaste doesn’t work if you don’t use it!
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