South Anchorage Dental Center

The Only Toothpaste Guide You’ll Ever Need

August 26, 2017
Blog
The Only Toothpaste Guide You’ll Ever Need

Have you ever wondered how you ended up using your current toothpaste? You’re probably using it because it’s what your family has been using for years or your dentist recommended it you. However, one thing’s for sure – toothpastes give us that fresh clean feeling every time we brush our teeth.

Having a fresh breath is like having a good hair day, it sets out the tone in every moment of our day. And using the right toothpaste will do just that.

If you’re wondering what’s the perfect toothpaste for you, then here’s a guide that will definitely be useful the next time you buy a new tube.

What is a toothpaste?

It’s a product that helps prevent tartar or hardened plaque and gum diseases. Toothpaste comes in different forms. However, it all contains, more or less, the same ingredients. The most common types of toothpaste are gel and paste.

Gel type is less abrasive because of its smooth texture. It also doesn’t produce a foamy texture similar to paste. Paste toothpastes, on the other hand, are thicker and have a solid color. The taste also varies between the two.

For many years, majority of the toothpastes were sold in mint flavor. Today, flavors like cinnamon-clove, apricot and bubblegum are readily available in stores.

What to consider when choosing a toothpaste?

There are a couple of things to consider when choosing a toothpaste. Here are some things you should know:

Tartar Control

Some people want to control their tartar build up; a toothpaste with fluoride is the best choice for this objective. However, keep in mind that hardened tartar can’t be easily removed, especially the tartar on the gumline. It’s best to visit your dental hygienist regularly for a deep and thorough cleaning.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Our teeth are protected with enamel – the outer layer of our teeth. Enamel is worn out as we eat and drink. One of the effects of worn out enamel is sensitive teeth. We often feel tooth sensitivity when we consume cold and hot drinks or food.
So what toothpaste is best for those who have sensitive teeth? Make sure that your toothpaste contains desensitizing ingredients. These ingredients include potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, and strontium chloride.
You must take note that the toothpaste only takes effect after weeks of use and it only treats the symptoms. No toothpaste will cure the actual problem of tooth sensitivity, it will only mask it.

Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening industry has amassed a networth larger than one billion dollars in clients. It’s safe to say that whitening toothpastes are in-demand and popular especially amongst teens.
For starters, the whitening toothpastes that you should be looking at are those that contain peroxide. Peroxide can remove stains and help in preventing gingivitis.
However, whitening toothpaste may also cause tooth sensitivity so it’s important to consult your dentist first for practical advice and usage.

Toothpaste for Children

Parents must know that by the time their kids starts sprouting teeth, they should also start brushing. However, the majority of the toothpaste for children sold in the market are for two years old and over. So what should you do?

Ask your dentist what toothpaste and toothbrush are best for your child to use.

So, what’s the right toothpaste for me?

This depends on your current oral health. That’s why it’s important to get your regular dental checkup and ask your dentist which toothpaste will suit your needs.

Although you need to keep in mind that no matter how effective your toothpaste is, the actual brushing motion and how long you brush your teeth will affect its efficacy.
Remember to always find time to take care of your gums and teeth. Learn the proper brushing motions, see what toothpaste best suits you and, of course, don’t forget to show up to your next dentist’s appointment! So do not hesitate to contact us today.

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