November 6, 2017
One of the questions dentists hear most often from patients is, “What toothpaste should I use?” Most patients don’t love the typical answer, “It’s up to you.” However, the most important factor in picking a toothpaste is choosing a product that you like. Whether it’s the flavor, aroma, or the texture you like, as long as you consistently brush your teeth, your toothpaste should do its job, keeping your teeth clean. In this post, you can learn some basics to better understand what to look for and how to make the right toothpaste choice for your unique smile. You can also be one of the patients who asks their dentist for a recommendation during your next preventive dentistry checkup. Dentists and dental hygienists are always happy to help their patients make these choices.
Reading the Ingredient List
Most people know that fluoride is an important ingredient in tooth paste, but many patients aren’t sure what the other toothpaste ingredients are or what they do. Some of the common ingredients found in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products include:
- Anti-cavity – fluoride
- Sensitivity – potassium nitrate
- Anti-gingivitis – stannous fluoride and triclosan
- Anti-tartar – Pyrophosphates, triclosan and zinc citrate
- Stains – silica abrasives, enzymes, hydrogen or carbamide peroxide
Picking the Right Toothpaste
Keeping the above ingredients and their uses in mind, look for a toothpaste that addresses your unique needs and meets the American Dental Association standard for approval. If you find a toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval, you know this product will contain effective ingredients and keep your smile clean.
Keeping your Smile Healthy
Whatever toothpaste you choose, a good brushing technique is essential to ensure you maintain your healthiest smile. Consider the following tips to improve your at-home dental care routine:
- Brush for at