Toothpaste Types

With so many kinds of toothpaste to choose from, where do you start?

What’s important to remember is that the toothpaste needs to be matched to your dental needs. A smoker benefits from “Smoker’s Toothpaste” which has tartar fighting ability. A growing child who loves sweets will want to use a toothpaste containing fluoride.

There are 5 broad categories of toothpaste to choose from.

1. Smoker’s toothpaste: these have tartar fighting ingredients that help remove the stains left on the teeth after smoking.

2. Fluoride toothpaste: these have higher than normal levels of fluoride to aid in keeping teeth healthy and strong and make it less likely for teeth to decay.

3. Sensitive toothpaste: these are intended for older patients. As people age, the gums recede. This exposes the roots of the teeth to the oral cavity. The roots don’t have a layer of enamel on top, so there is moderate sensitivity caused by temperatures and even touch (when brushing).

4. Whitening toothpaste: these kinds of toothpaste are used to keep the teeth white and bright. Some of the newer formulations even contain fluoride to help keep the teeth strong.

5. Natural toothpaste: these are sometimes thought of as healthy, natural alternatives to kinds of toothpaste that contain various chemicals. However, natural toothpastes have not proven to be very effective in keeping the teeth clean.

As a general rule, look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the toothpaste you wish to use. The ADA evaluates the efficacy of toothpaste and approves the ones that are clinically effective.

To learn more about how to take better care of your teeth, contact us for a check-up and cleaning appointment.