Does It Matter What Toothpaste I Use?

When you’re in the toothpaste aisle of the supermarket, do you get overwhelmed by all of the choices? You’re not alone! There are so many types available today. Some toothpastes claim they minimize tooth sensitivity while others boast that they can brighten your teeth. You may just grab the most familiar one and head to the checkout, but are you picking the best toothpaste for your smile? Here’s what you need to know about toothpaste and why the type of toothpaste you use is important.

Common Ingredients in Most Toothpaste

Even though toothpaste varies, most have a similar foundation for ingredients.

• Abrasive agents (tackle surface stains)
• Coloring agents (toothpaste consistency and color)
• Flavoring (taste enhancer)
• Fluoride (strengthens tooth enamel)
• Foaming agents (break down plaque)
• pH balancers (enhance cleaning capabilities)

Avoid Whitening Toothpaste

Every single person wants to have a whiter, brighter smile. It can be easy to get sucked into buying a whitening toothpaste that has an endless list of promises. However, whitening toothpaste uses more abrasive particles compared to other toothpaste types. Over time, the abrasive particles can scratch and wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, cavities, and dentin showing through teeth. (If you want whiter teeth, talk to us about professional whitening!)

Fluoride is KEY

The MOST important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps enamel remineralize and flourish. Make sure that no matter what toothpaste you’re buying, it has fluoride in it. Fluoride is a game changer for oral health and can help your smile do a complete 180º!

Schedule Your Dental Checkup

In addition to brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily, make sure you’re also scheduling your biannual dental visits. Regular dental cleanings and exams can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you have questions about toothpaste or are overdue for a dental checkup, please contact Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your visit!

Image by Bruno/Germany from Pixabay

Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care