Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Have you ever stood in the toothpaste aisle at the store and felt overwhelmed by all of the choices out there? With all the different options ranging from tartar control to whitening, to sensitivity relief, it can be quite confusing and stressful. In reality though, there are five main types of toothpaste on the market to fit your desired need and keep your teeth healthy and shiny all day long.

Why do we need toothpaste?

Toothpaste is designed to help remove food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums along with your toothbrush and floss. It is an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Only a pea size amount is needed on your toothbrush since a little bit goes a long way.

What are the different types of toothpaste?

1. Tartar Control Toothpaste – The soft plaque that has hardened or calcified around your teeth is called tartar. It begins to buildup and hardens when you consistently miss certain spots or spaces on your teeth while brushing. When it gets to this point, it can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar control toothpaste contains special compounds which work to dissolve plaque and buildup to restore your teeth and gums to health.
2. Fluoride Toothpaste – Fluoride is a natural-occurring mineral cavity fighter which helps to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Since the introduction of fluoride into toothpaste, the amount of dental cavities and infections have decreased. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. Most toothpaste’ contain at least a small amount of fluoride, but there are some which have larger amounts for those patients who have weakened or decreased enamel.
3. Whitening Toothpaste – For people who consume regular amounts of coffee, tea, or red wine, or those who notice their teeth are yellowing and aging, whitening toothpaste immediately comes to mind. These toothpaste’ contain special polishing agents that help remove more stains than regular toothpaste. The gentle abrasive agents work by “scrubbing” the stains out of your teeth, keeping your teeth whiter longer.
4. Sensitivity Toothpaste – There are times when taking a sip of ice cold water or hot coffee turns into a painful experience for some. Or, it can be the simple act of brushing your teeth that can cause a wince to occur. Toothpaste that targets sensitivity contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. These offer relief to some but patience must be exercised since it usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
5. Children’s Toothpaste – Children’s toothpaste generally contains less fluoride or abrasive agents than regular adult toothpaste. Since children tend to be pickier than adults on taste, texture, and consistency, their toothpaste’ are friendlier to these issues. When buying toothpaste for your child, look for one that contains fluoride and tastes good.

Still not sure which type of toothpaste will best fit your needs? Call our office with any questions or schedule an appointment today!