When it comes to choosing toothpaste, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all of your options on the market. There are dozens of different types on shelves that claim to whiten your teeth, decrease tooth sensitivity, prevent cavities, protect against tartar, and/or all of the above. Toothpaste in its entirety doesn’t just polish teeth; it also removes the bacteria that cause dental plaque and bad breath. It’s important when shopping for toothpaste to select a brand that is approved by the American Dental Association. Since there is no generic toothpaste for all ages and mouths, it helps to acquire some tips so you select the one that will meet your individual needs.
Types of Toothpaste
- Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.
- Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.
- Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.
- Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.
- Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.
The list doesn’t even end there. There are toothpaste types for children that are non-toxic and great for those who are new to brushing and may swallow the toothpaste while cleaning their teeth. Additionally, there are toothpaste types for smokers, maintaining gum health, fresh breath, and even organic toothpaste.
How Do I Know Which One Is Right For Me?
Today there is toothpaste to meet the oral needs of everyone, but while all of the products on the shelf might seem the same, with a little help from your dentist you can determine which is right for you. It is important to schedule dental checkups and professional cleanings twice a year to prevent tooth sensitivity, gum disease, tartar buildup, and tooth decay.