Which Toothpaste Is Right for You?

Dentist Blog

You probably already know that brushing your teeth with toothpaste every day is the best way to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy. However, you might be overwhelmed by the range of different toothpastes that are available. One way to find the best toothpaste for you is to ask your dentist at your next check-up to recommend one to suit your individual needs. In the meantime, you can take a look at the following information to help you decide which toothpaste to use.

Fluoride or Fluoride-Free?

Dentists strongly recommend that all adults and older children use fluoride toothpaste to protect their teeth from cavities. In the presence of fluoride, tooth enamel can remineralise itself, repairing any areas that have been weakened and are at risk of becoming cavities.

Fluoride-free toothpaste performs the basic task of helping to scrub dental plaque from your teeth, but it does not provide the same enamel-strengthening effects as fluoride toothpaste. The only time your dentist may recommend using fluoride-free toothpaste is if you have a fluoride allergy, which is very rare.

Whitening or Non-Whitening?

There is no need to use a whitening toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy. A basic fluoride toothpaste is all you need to remove dental plaque and strengthen your teeth. However, whitening toothpastes can be very effective at preventing stains from building up on your teeth. They can be especially beneficial if you enjoy consuming stain-producing products, such as tobacco, black coffee or red wine.

Tartar Control?

All toothpastes protect against the build-up of tartar by removing plaque from your teeth before it starts to harden into tartar. If you are especially prone to developing tartar, then your dentist might recommend that you use a tartar control toothpaste to give you a little extra protection.

Sensitive Toothpaste?

If your teeth sometimes hurt when you consume something very cold or very hot, such as ice cream or hot soup, then you could find great relief by using a toothpaste designed for people with sensitive teeth. This kind of toothpaste contains ingredients that block nerve signals through the teeth, which can get rid of the painful sensations that you feel.

If using a sensitive toothpaste does not help with your sensitive teeth, then you must see your dentist to find out whether there is more going on than normal sensitivity. It could be that you have a dental condition that is causing your enamel to become thin, in which case it is important to get dental treatment. Contact a dentist to learn more. 

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16 August 2021