Toothpaste is something that we use every single day, multiple times a day. When you really think about it, selecting the right toothpaste can tremendously affect your teeth and oral health. With so many brands and selections to choose from, how does a person go about picking the right toothpaste?
Pay attention to the ingredients.
Fluoride is a key ingredient in most toothpaste, except in toddler (training) formulas, or in more organic toothpastes for consumers who choose to avoid fluoride. That being said, fluoride can dramatically help reduce the risk of tooth decay when small doses are applied on a regular basis. One active ingredient in many over the counter pastes is called sodium laurel sulphate, which causes tissue sloughing in some people and should be avoided if you begin to notice sensitivity when using toothpastes containing this ingredient. Xylitol is a newer ingredient being added to some formulas, which helps to prevent plaque buildup.
What is that toothpaste formula designed to achieve?
Toothpastes can be organized according to purposes; whitening, tartar control, sensitive gums, and the like. Whitening toothpastes are great for enhancing cosmetic appearance of teeth, but may also produce tooth sensitivity in some patients. Tartar control toothpastes is useful for people who tend to have higher levels of tartar build-up, but may also cause some light staining with excessive use. Most of the time a general-purpose fluoride toothpaste is more than adequate for most people’s needs.
Brand recognition
Certain brands of toothpaste are going to deliver better results than others. For instance, dentists recommend certain toothpastes and are popular on the market because of how successful they are at achieving results, such as the treatment of sensitivity. The major brands have been approved by the ADA, and also often have large research departments dedicated to discovering and enhancing the right formulas for dental and oral health.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of your toothpaste against plaque and gingivitis will heavily rely on how good your brushing technique and habits are. Be sure to spend at least two minutes twice each day brushing your teeth and gumlines to physically remove plaque and stimulate the gum tissue. The rest should be a no brainer!
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