If you’ve wandered down the toothpaste aisle at your local supermarket, you’ll have been staggered by the inconceivable array of toothpaste types, varieties and brands. Knowing which one to choose, which one is actually best for your teeth is a trial, but it doesn’t have to be. Brush up on your toothpaste knowledge before your next trip to the supermarket and you’ll stand a better chance of choosing the toothpaste that’s right for you.
Which Toothpaste to Choose?
Dental experts advise that as long as your toothpaste contains a healthy measure of fluoride, it really doesn’t make any difference which particular brand you buy. No matter which brand it is that you buy, it’s the fluoride that kills off plaque and helps you keep cavities at bay.
Look for brands of toothpaste that bear the symbol of the ADA, the American Dental Association, this means that it meets their strict standards and that the particular toothpaste has been tested under laboratory conditions.
If you’re someone that suffers from sensitive teeth, you should consider buying toothpaste that includes a desensitizing product such as strontium chloride that protects the parts of the teeth that are connected to the nerves and prevents that painful sensation caused by sensitive teeth. Fluoride was added to most toothpaste brands as a standard after Crest added it to their toothpaste in 1955.
If you want to prevent periodontal problems, you can get a tartar-control toothpaste, which while not removing tartar, it prevents it from growing in the gums. If you want to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease, you can use an anti-microbial paste that is designed to remove those dentally harmful bacteria.
For those looking for a fresher mouth, you can use toothpaste that includes baking soda. This simply creates a greater abrasion between the paste and the teeth.
If you find Whitening products in the toothpaste aisle, they’re designed to give the teeth a brighter, whiter appearance. However, these products will not work as well as teeth bleaching, so bear that in mind when you’re purchasing them.
If you are buying toothpaste for your children, it’s best to choose a simple toothpaste. The whitening, baking soda, tartar control and anti-microbial varieties of toothpaste are not made for children. It’s best to choose ordinary, regular toothpaste with lower fluoride levels to help protect and strengthen their teeth without the risk of them swallowing a dangerous amount of fluoride. When choosing toothpaste for children under the age of six, you should look for the lowest possible fluoride levels. Finally, when choosing the right toothpaste for children, you can use the tried and tested ‘taste’ method, they’ll like one of them more than the others, it will be trial and error, but once they find a taste that they like, they’ll be happy to use it.
So now you know what’s out there, you can make a more informed choice as to the type of toothpaste that you should use. If you’re still unsure, you can ask you dental hygienist at your next visit. Always use a good sturdy brush (see “Why Should I Use an Electric Toothbrush“) with your toothpaste and regularly buy a new brush if the bristles become worn and softened. Don’t forget to floss afterwards or use an oral irrigator for a more professional oral clean.
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