28 Dec So Many Types of Toothpaste, How To Choose the Right One?
Brushing your teeth is a very important part of a good oral hygiene routine. If you don’t brush often enough, plaque can build up on your teeth and gums, causing painful problems. But even though the mechanical action of the brush does most of the work, the type of toothpaste you use can help significantly.
However, the toothpaste aisle just keeps on getting longer. With so many choices, picking the right one for your dental health can feel overwhelming. Let us walk you through some of the different types of toothpaste, and explain how you can make the best decision for your dental health.
Five Different Types of Toothpaste
1: Sensitivity Toothpaste
Suffering from sensitive teeth can be painful. A sensitive toothpaste works by helping fill in the microscopic holes in your enamel that are allowing heat and cold to hit your nerves. This type of toothpaste has a cumulative effect, so it can take anywhere from two to four weeks before you feel a significant difference.
2: Whitening Toothpaste
Many things can stain your teeth, like nicotine products, coffee, tea, and wine. Things like age and enamel erosion can make your teeth look yellow, too. A whitening toothpaste can help give you a brighter smile by using microscopic scrubbers to remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes have different types of active ingredients that buff away stains and gradually make your teeth look whiter. But just like sensitive toothpaste, it may be some time before you see any results.
3: Tartar Control Toothpaste
Plaque that does not get removed by brushing will eventually solidify into tartar. This hard substance forms quickly for some people, and it can only be removed by a dental professional. However, tartar control toothpaste can help to soften tartar buildup while leaving behind compounds that help prevent more tartar from forming.
4: Natural Toothpaste
These toothpastes are made of natural ingredients like baking soda and essential oils. Natural toothpastes are great for people who have sensitivities to other types of toothpaste, or who want to eliminate synthetic compounds from their daily use. Natural toothpastes, however, do not usually contain fluoride.
5: Children’s Toothpaste
Usually, children’s toothpaste is formulated for small mouths. It also comes in more palatable flavors for children, like grape and bubble gum. If you hate the taste of mint, children’s toothpaste might be right for you! Life is too short to brush with a taste you hate.
Children’s toothpaste should not have any abrasive agents or other ingredients that might be harmful in large doses. Infants and toddlers under three do not need additional fluoride in their toothpaste—they will retain enough essential nutrients from their daily diets. And since fluoride can be harmful in large amounts, it’s best to wait to introduce fluoride toothpaste until you know your child is spitting all their toothpaste out and not eating it.
How Much Does Toothpaste Type Matter?
When choosing your toothpaste, we suggest making a list of what you are looking for in your daily oral care. For example, if getting a brighter smile is your main goal, look for a whitening toothpaste first. Then you can decide on a flavor and whether or not you want a toothpaste with fluoride in it.
Many people have objections to fluoride, but it is essential for preventing cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen and rebuild your tooth enamel. If you choose not to use a fluoride toothpaste, ask your dentist about alternative treatments.
Dental Care Does Not Stop at Toothpaste
If you’re trying to find the right toothpaste, but you’re not sure which type would be best for your teeth, talk to a dentist! They can help point you in the right direction. They can also examine your teeth, give them a cleaning, and treat any problems.
Regular dental appointments are an essential part of your continued dental health, but that is not all a good dentist can do. Things like teeth straightening, whitening treatments, and other forms of cosmetic dentistry can help you get the smile of your dreams.
At Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, you have access to all the best treatments that modern dental care has to offer. If you are due for an exam or you are interested in whitening or Invisalign treatments, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/27/23). Photo by William Warby on Unsplash.