How to Choose the Right Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a key part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Along with your toothbrush and floss, toothpaste helps to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums. But how do you choose the right toothpaste?
One of the difficulties is the fact that there are many types of toothpaste on the market today. Each claims to help many different oral issues and offers unique benefits for your oral and dental health. As a result, selecting the right product for your oral health needs can feel overwhelming which may tempt you to simply grab the nearest option or the one you are the most familiar with. However, choosing a new toothpaste shouldn’t be an impulsive decision, as it can significantly affect oral health. Here are several questions to help you narrow your choices and find the best product for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Toothpaste That Will Clean Your Teeth AND Meet Your Needs
What are your dental needs?
The first thing you must decide when shopping for a new toothpaste is your specific dental needs. What oral health goals are you hoping to achieve with a new toothpaste? Here are a few questions to help you think through your particular needs:
- Do you have sensitive teeth?
- Are you looking for a teeth whitening product?
- Is your goal for your breath to feel minty-fresh after brushing?
- Do you have gum disease?
Answers to these questions help narrow down the best products for your goals. For patients with sensitive teeth or gum disease, be sure to ask your dentist for specific product recommendations.
Does the toothpaste have the ADA Seal of Acceptance?
Dentists recommend that patients look for dental products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). When a product carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it has been independently tested for safety and efficacy. To learn more about the ADA seal, watch a video here.
Does the toothpaste contain fluoride?
The ADA recommends using toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter that strengthens tooth enamel and fights tooth decay. However, not all toothpaste contains fluoride, so always use toothpaste containing this cavity-fighting mineral.
Fluoride helps prevent cavities and tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride also helps remineralize tooth enamel lost due to bacteria’s acid, which helps reverse early tooth decay. Ensuring your toothpaste contains fluoride is an easy way to protect your teeth.
What are the ingredients?
A little research to learn more about toothpaste ingredients will help you consider precisely what is in the toothpaste you put in your mouth.
How to read a toothpaste label:
When looking at a toothpaste label, the ingredients are listed in order of concentration, with the most abundant ingredient appearing first. The following elements are found in most cavity-fighting toothpaste:
- Fluoride – We have already discussed fluoride and its cavity-fighting benefits.
- Abrasives—Abrasives are considered inactive ingredients because they do not reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease. However, they are essential because they help remove food, debris, and even surface stains from teeth. The names of some abrasives are calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and hydrated aluminum oxides.
- Flavoring—Toothpaste flavors come from sugar-free sweetening agents such as saccharin or sorbitol. The ADA may approve toothpaste containing sweeteners but not sugar products.
- Humectants – Humectants are the ingredients that keep toothpaste fresh versus dried out and crumbly. Sorbitol is a popular ingredient in toothpaste because it is a flavoring agent and a humectant. Other examples of humectants include glycol and glycerol.
- Detergents—Detergents are the ingredients that make toothpaste foamy when you brush your teeth. A standard detergent is sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Specialty ingredients—Other ingredients include sensitivity-reducing agents, such as potassium nitrate, and whitening agents, such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
Does it have an appealing flavor and texture?
Although the flavor of the toothpaste may not seem very important next to the other factors on this list, don’t discount the importance of choosing a flavor you will enjoy. If the taste is off-putting or too strong for your liking, it may deter you from maintaining your daily oral hygiene. Whether you prefer mint, cinnamon, or a milder flavor, choose a toothpaste that you will enjoy.
What does your dentist recommend for you?
Last but certainly not least, check with your dentist. Your Smiley Pearls dental team can provide a personalized recommendation to help you choose the right toothpaste for your mouth and individual dental needs. Your dentist can also recommend other oral hygiene products that suit you well.
Remember that: A Good Toothpaste = Clean & Healthy Teeth
Choosing the best toothpaste doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips can help you find the perfect toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By considering your dental needs, looking for key ingredients, choosing a flavor you’ll enjoy, and avoiding harsh additives, you can find the perfect toothpaste for your teeth. Then, you can be confident that you are doing your part to keep your teeth as clean and healthy as possible.
Do you still have questions about how to choose the right toothpaste for you?
If you still have questions about how to choose the right toothpaste for you, ask our knowledgeable dentists at your next appointment. At Smiley Pearls in Sachse, TX, our dentist can recommend the right products to help meet your oral health needs. Schedule a consultation today!
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