How To Choose The Right Toothpaste

Green Toothbrush

Brush at least two times a day for around two minutes each time. This is something everyone is told from a young age. However, what toothpaste you use can also affect your dental hygiene. Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne etc. the list of toothpaste brands is endless so choosing the right one can be difficult. Dentists have done research over the years and have come up with some recommendations of things to look for.

Fluoride:

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help prevent tooth decay. Some people have even put it in water to help. Dentists recommend that you choose a toothpaste that has at least 1,000 parts per million fluorides. This is helpful because the mineral helps to strengthen enamel.

ADA Approval:

Another thing to look for when choosing your toothpaste is approval from the American Dental Association. Make sure to check your toothpaste for this stamp of approval to know what you are choosing is safe and is also effective. One brand that dentists recommend is Crest Pro Health.

Individual Needs:

There are not a one size fits all toothpaste out there and you must also take into a count your individual needs.

Whitening: Many people would like a whiter smile and so they just choose the first toothpaste they see that claims to whiten your teeth in 2 weeks. However, many of these toothpastes use chemicals that remove surface stains but are also abrasive and can hurt the enamel on your teeth. If whitening is your goal, it is best to reach out to your dentist about whitening treatments.
- Charcoal: Going off the comment on whitening it is a good thing to discuss charcoal. Companies are trying to convince the public that using charcoal toothpaste will help whiten your teeth. However, there is not much data behind this, and charcoal can become bad for your teeth like the other whitening chemicals.
Tartar Control: This is one thing that has been researched and it has been shown that using tartar control toothpaste can reduce the amount of buildup on your teeth. If you find that tartar build up is a regular problem for you or your dentist has mentioned, it then it may be time to investigate a specialized toothpaste to help.
Enamel Protection: Dentists talk about enamel a lot. It is the outer coating of your teeth, and it acts as a barrier for the nerves. Even though toothpaste does not necessarily regenerate your enamel it can help strengthen it. Sensodyne Pronamel has been clinically proven to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth.
Sensitivity: Many people suffer from teeth sensitivity. If you find that your teeth hurt after consuming hot or cold things than you may suffer also. This sensitivity can occur due to enamel being worn down which leads us back to enamel protection. If you start to notice this being an issue in your life than check out the various sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne.

Unfortunately, many people are lacking in their oral hygiene. They may claim to brush twice a day, but they do not brush for long enough or they may not use the right brand of toothpaste. You also need to floss every day to get any food debris that may get stuck between your teeth. Believe it or not oral hygiene plays a big role in your overall health as well. Poor oral health has been linked to issues such as cancer and heart disease. If you do not take care of your teeth, then your mouth can become grounds for bacteria to breed. This bacterium can then make it into your bloodstream and cause issues all over your body such as build up in your arteries. This bacteria buildup has been linked to problems in people’s hearts and respiratory infections. The list of problems that can be caused by poor oral hygiene goes on and on. A few other problems are pregnancy complications, dementia, and diabetes. Because gum disease can weaken your immune system you become prone to a multitude of infections.

Having good oral hygiene is crucial to your overall wellbeing. Not only does it affect your overall health but having gum disease or other problems with your teeth can make enjoying everyday activities hard. Going into the toothpaste aisle can seem overwhelming and people tend to just grab whatever toothpaste they have seen advertised or whichever one has the best packaging. However, it is important to go into the aisle with the knowledge discussed above so that you can feel confident in your choice. One of the most important things when choosing is to make sure you choose one you are going to be willing to use twice a day so flavor can also play a role. On top of your toothpaste purchase it’s a good idea to check out the floss and mouthwash to help protect your full mouth especially the areas your toothbrush might miss. When in doubt reach out to your local dentist and ask for their recommendations.