18 Feb Toothpaste: Is It Actually Necessary?
Maybe you hate the taste of toothpaste. Perhaps your kid fights you every time you try to get their teeth brushed. Or maybe you’re worried about all the strange ingredients. Perhaps you’ve been putting off getting to the store, and you’re all out of toothpaste. You can brush your teeth without toothpaste, but it’s simply not as effective—here’s why.
Four Reasons Why Toothpaste Is Important
1: It helps remove plaque and debris.
Toothpaste typically contains an abrasive agent that helps scrape plaque off your teeth. Some types of toothpaste also contain antibacterial ingredients that fight plaque.
2: It can remineralize your tooth enamel.
If your toothpaste contains fluoride or other minerals, it can help you strengthen your teeth by beefing up your enamel.
3: It can help with sensitivity or other problems.
If you have sensitive teeth or want to whiten yellowish teeth, you can choose a specialty toothpaste to help you solve those problems.
4: It freshens your breath.
Besides removing the plaque that causes bad breath, toothpaste typically contains a flavoring agent as well. This can help you freshen your breath and boost your confidence.
Which Type of Toothpaste Works Best?
There are so many different types of toothpaste—it can come in a gel, a paste, a solid, and even a powder form. Not to mention the numerous flavors and brands available. This means there is something for everyone. When it comes to which type works best, that depends. You can ask your dentist for a recommendation, but the most important thing is to choose a toothpaste that you’ll actually use.
- Fluoride Toothpaste
Most dentists agree with us that fluoride toothpaste is the best for oral health, because fluoride helps protect teeth from decay. This is also the largest category of toothpaste, which means you have more options.
- Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
If you have concerns about the safety of fluoride, these products will help alleviate your fluoride fears while also helping you remove plaque.
- Children’s Toothpaste
Kids’ toothpastes are specifically formulated for little bodies. For example, They have significantly less fluoride than toothpaste meant for adults, and they come in kid-friendly flavors.
- Natural Toothpaste
Natural toothpaste brands sometimes get a bad rap for lacking “strong” cleaners, fluoride, or other ingredients. However, they still help you remove plaque and bacteria.
Can I Brush Without Toothpaste?
Brushing your teeth with just a toothbrush and water is not as effective as using toothpaste. But it’s still better than leaving those teeth as fuzzy as a peach. So if for some reason you can’t stand toothpaste, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Don’t forget to floss, and use some mouthwash or a salt rinse to fight germs.
Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
Here at Hicks Dental Group, we understand the importance of dental care that fits your lifestyle. We want to help you do what is best for your teeth, and this means working with you to find dental products you’ll actually want to use. If you’re due for a cleaning and exam, contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/18/25). Photo by William Warby on Unsplash.