Dental healthcare is not a straightforward subject. You walk through the dental aisle of your local store there are endless options of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash to choose from. After reading this post, you should have a sense of how to sort through the choices and you won’t have to get a Ph.D. to find the right toothpaste for you. While using toothpaste is a form of Preventative Dentistry, we are going to concentrate on the different kinds of toothpaste you can choose from and what to consider when making your decision.

What is toothpaste and what does it do? 

Toothpaste is very important to your oral health. It helps clean your mouth of accumulating plaque, destroys bad odors, protects tooth enamel, and fights tooth decay. So what is in your toothpaste that accomplishes all of that?

The exact ingredients will differ between brands but here are some of the most commonly found ingredients of toothpaste:

• Fluoride – Helps strengthen tooth enamel and protects against tooth decay
• Gentle Abrasives – Phosphate salts, magnesium carbonate, and hydrated aluminum oxides are common examples and help clean the plaque from your teeth
• Thickeners – Gives your toothpaste its texture and consistency
• Detergents – Makes your toothpaste foamy when brushing
• Flavoring agents – Gives your toothpaste its taste

Where do I begin? 

Make sure the toothpaste is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is most important for your health to make sure that the toothpaste you choose is safe. Ingredients lists and warning labels are visible on any FDA approved toothpaste. If you don’t see these labels, stay away!

Next, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the toothpaste box. Having this seal on the box shows that the manufacturer took the extra step to have the toothpaste tested for effectiveness and performance. If you see the ADA symbol, then you can be confident that the toothpaste will perform as advertised.

After narrowing your choices based on these requirements, decide what you want out of your toothpaste. If you have a particular need from your toothpaste, make sure to keep that in mind. The largest toothpaste brands supply a multitude of products that are specific to certain needs by the consumer.

When making a decision, there are certain ingredients to look for based on your preferences. If you are looking to fight gingivitis or tartar build-up, look for pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, and triclosan. If you have sensitive teeth, look for products with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. You can also find certain kinds of toothpaste that fight bad breath or contain special abrasives to help whiten your teeth. These specific qualities of toothpaste should all be labeled on the box. Decide what qualities of toothpaste you want and make sure it is ensured by the FDA and ADA.

Final thoughts 

If you have more questions about what kind of toothpaste is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask. Talk to your dentist during your next visit and let us help you. It could mean a huge difference for your oral health and give you the smile you’ve been searching for!