Brushing your teeth twice a day makes a substantial difference in your dental and oral health, and it’s easy to do. Make it a habit to brush daily with good toothpaste. Your teeth, your dentist and those close enough to smell your breath will thank you. Store shelves are filled with all different types of toothpaste. There are many good ones out there and some not-so-great ones. Here are some things to look for when choosing toothpaste.
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ADA Approval
You’ll want to choose a known brand that is approved by the American Dental Association. This means the product has been put through trials to make sure it is safe and effective at preventing tooth decay and that it properly cleans your teeth. Your dentist will only recommend ADA-approved brands.
Name Brands
Stick with the well-known brands and stay away from the off-brands. Most knock-off brands are not ADA approved. The couple of bucks you save on knock-off brands is certainly not worth compromising your dental health. Buying the better toothpaste now will prevent a root canal later. Off-brands could contain harmful chemicals and could potentially be missing important ingredients.
Different kinds of toothpaste serve different purposes. Let’s talk about the different types.
• Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to fight tooth decay and cavities. It’s important to have fluoride in your toothpaste so check the label. Most adult toothpaste contains fluoride but it’s always worthwhile to double-check.
• Kids Toothpaste
There are many kinds of toothpaste created specifically for children. You can find children’s toothpaste that contains fluoride and some that do not. Ask your dentist what is recommended based on your child’s age and dental needs. Children’s toothpaste usually has a fun flavor to encourage teeth brushing and is made safer than adult toothpaste in case it is swallowed. Letting your child pick their toothpaste is a great way to encourage teeth brushing and make it an enjoyable part of their routine.
• Whitening Toothpaste
Wanting your teeth to be extra pearly white? Whitening toothpaste is beneficial for those with teeth stains. Whether it’s from coffee, tea or too much soda, whitening toothpaste contains abrasives that gradually lessen the appearance of stains. There are also other whitening products such as whitening treatments and whitening mouth wash. You could also make an appointment with your dentist to get a professional teeth whitening treatment.
• Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Do you have extra sensitive teeth? Grab a toothpaste that accommodates that. Some individuals have teeth that are very sensitive to hot or cold substances. Toothpaste aimed at combating that is made with potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, which can substantially help reduce painful sensations on the teeth. Start using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and enjoy that ice cream again!
• Smoker’s Toothpaste
Smoking can do a number on your teeth, which is why there’s toothpaste specifically for individuals who smoke tobacco. This will help remove smoke stains and yellowish-brown tints associated with smoking. Smoker’s toothpaste is also usually formulated with whitening agents to fight teeth yellowing. IF you’re a smoker, grab a toothpaste to fit your needs.
• Tartar Control Toothpaste
This toothpaste is very popular as nobody wants tartar build-up on their teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can lead to gum disease and cause bad breath. It’s a bacterium on your teeth that can be removed with proper oral care such as daily brushing and flossing. Fluoride is an important ingredient in tartar control toothpaste as well as pyrophosphates and zinc citrate. All these ingredients help to say goodbye to tartar build-up. Like the toothpaste for sensitive teeth mentioned above, toothpaste for tartar also often contains strontium chloride.
There are many toothpastes out there, but they are not all created equal! No matter what toothpaste you use, it’s important to make sure it’s ADA-approved and that you floss and brush every single day at least twice. Without proper oral care, you could face gum disease and halitosis.
Make sure to always have a stock of good toothpaste and floss as part of your daily routine. It’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. Need a Utah Family dentist? Give us a call for monthly cleanings or teeth whitening treatments — we’re here to serve you and your family.