There’s no denying that regularly brushing and flossing your teeth will you help maintain a healthy smile. With so many toothpaste options to choose from, taking a trip down the toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming but we are here to help you make an educated decision.
Majority of the time, you pick your toothpaste based on personal preference. Do you like gel or paste? Winter mint or spear mint? Every mouth is different, thus why there are so many toothpastes’ available on the market. While flavor is vital, it is important to keep in mind your dental needs and what ingredients are best for your individual mouth. Your dentist can also help decipher what is best for you.
Here’s our simple guide to breaking down the different types of toothpastes:
Tartar control toothpaste: This is a good choice for people looking to prevent tartar buildup. Ingredients in this toothpaste are specially designed to breakdown plaque on teeth before it hardens. It’s important to note that this toothpaste should be used toprevent buildup and not to remove existing plaque.
Whitening toothpaste: Most whitening toothpaste contain two ingredients that remove surface stains, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Some brands of whitening toothpaste are considered “harsh” and may cause sensitivity due to abrasive agents, so it is best to speak with Dr. Finkelstein or your dentist to see what the best option for your teeth is.
Baking soda toothpaste: toothpaste that is made with baking soda and also provides a different flavor than typical mint varieties. Baking soda is great for gently cleaning surface stains and is less abrasive then some other toothpaste options.
Sensitive teeth toothpastes: Strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, have been recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as effective in treating sensitive teeth and gums. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth work for mild cases of tooth sensitivity by blocking the pathway to your tooth’s nerve, thus decreasing pain. If you’ve been experiencing pain when eating hot/cold or acidic foods (see our previous blog post on sensitive teeth here), it’s best to speak with Dr. Finkelstein to find the underlying cause of your pain.
Children’s toothpaste: Very similar to adult toothpaste, but typically come in flavors that are more appealing to children, safe to swallow and contain less or no fluoride.
As always, make sure to check if the toothpaste you’ve selected has the ADA seal of approval – it means that the toothpastecontains fluoride and has been thoroughly tested to determine their safety and effectiveness.
If you need help selecting the right toothpaste for you and your family, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Finkelstein from My Plantation Dentist at 954-584-1030.
