Posted on February 21, 2019
When shopping at your local pharmacy or grocery store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you approach the toothpaste aisle.
Each type of toothpaste addresses a different concern: Do you want whiter teeth? Cavity protection? Tartar removal? Sensitivity relief?
Instead of merely choosing the toothpaste you’ve always purchased or the one that’s on sale, here’s how to select the best one for your needs.
The Basics of All Kinds of Toothpaste
Before discussing what specific benefits certain kinds of toothpaste provide, let’s first review the foundation of every toothpaste.
Using ingredients that target plaque and cavities, your toothpaste’s primary purpose is to clean your teeth. Most tubes of toothpaste also contain fluoride, an essential ingredient with numerous oral health benefits.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children between the ages of three to six only use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
Read the Label for Information Purposes
A toothpaste’s label can tell a lot about whether it will meet your needs. Some tubes of toothpaste are intended to be used by adults and older children only, whereas others recommend consulting a dentist before using them for an extended length of time.
Do you have any allergies or sensitivities? Read the ingredient list to help avoid a negative reaction from a specific toothpaste’s ingredients.
Consider Your Oral Health Goals
Other than cleaning your teeth, what type of issue do you want your toothpaste to address?
Sensitivity: A sensitivity toothpaste can help alleviate the painful symptoms from extreme temperature or certain foods. The lower abrasive quality in baking soda makes this a great cleaning agent for sensitive teeth.
Whitening: Whitening tubes of toothpaste with sodium hexametaphosphate help remove and prevent surface stains – but aren’t suitable for people with sensitive teeth.
Tartar Buildup: Tartar control tubes of toothpaste, featuring pyrophosphates, can help reduce tartar deposits on your teeth.
Toothpaste Types
If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, see a dentist for professional cleanings, and lack any major oral health issues, then choosing a toothpaste will come down to personal preference. Considering the following factors can help you to make the right decision:
- Toothpaste Consistency: Gels, pastes and liquids are readily available in toothpaste selection. Gels and pastes are the most popular since they stay on your toothbrush better.
- Taste: Bubble gum flavoured toothpaste is popular with children, and mint-flavoured may better suit an adult’s tastes.
- Product Size: Storage can be tight in many bathrooms. Some tubes of toothpaste are made to stand upright versus lying flat. Choose the type that will help keep your vanity tidier!
Consult with Your Dentist
Your dentist is always the best source of advice regarding your oral hygiene needs. They are familiar with your oral health history and know which toothpaste types suit your dental issues.
If you’re currently without a dentist or are looking for a new one, we’d love to help! Contact us today at Creek View Dental to schedule an appointment with our professional dental team.