For proper tooth hygiene, brushing at least twice a day, and ideally after every meal, is key. Of course, to brush your teeth you need toothpaste. But with such a dizzying array of toothpastes available in the dental aisle of pretty much every store, it can be hard to choose which to buy. In this blog post, we’ll talk about different kinds of toothpastes and help you decide what to use on your pearly whites.
Types of toothpaste
There are various types of toothpaste on the market today, from whitening toothpastes, toothpastes for tartar control, sensitive-teeth toothpastes, and more. Some toothpastes even advertise a combination of two or more of these functions!
1. Fluoridated
One additive to look for on any toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral which helps strengthen the enamel, or hard outer coating, on your teeth, and helps prevent tooth decay. Many cities add fluoride to their drinking water, but most of East Baton Rouge Parish doesn’t (unless you’re in Baker). So you’ll want to be sure to brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste.
2. Whitening
Whitening toothpastes contain additives that can brighten your teeth, whether through fighting stains or lightening the color of your teeth. Some lightening toothpastes also help prevent tooth decay, so check the label. Of course, no toothpaste can substitute for a full whitening procedure at Galliano’s Family Dentistry, where we use the Zoom! whitening system, an in-office system that’s comfortable and consistent.
3. Plaque-fighting
If the plaque that naturally builds up on your teeth hardens, it turns into tartar, which is a hard layer that bonds to the teeth and can trap cavity-causing bacteria. You have to get tartar removed by a dental professional, but if you buy a tartar-control toothpaste, you can remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Tartar-control toothpaste is a great addition to your dental arsenal.
4. Sensitivity
Sometimes, dental sensitivity can cause you pain when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream. Usually, sensitive teeth can be traced to weakened enamel or exposed dental roots, both of which are issues for overall dental health too. A toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate some of that pain when eating or drinking, and some can help protect the teeth from further damage.
What Dentists Recommend
Here’s the secret many toothpaste brands would rather you not know: many toothpastes are basically the same when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy! In fact, the most important things you can do to help your teeth are brushing and flossing every day and making regular dental checkups with your dentist.
No matter which brand you buy, make sure it has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The ADA performs rigorous testing on toothpastes to ensure their quality and efficacy when brushing, so make sure your toothpaste has their seal. Some brands which feature the ADA Seal of Acceptance include the following:
-Crest Pro Health Advanced Fluoride Toothpaste
-AIM Cavity Protection Toothpaste Ultra Mint Gel
-Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
-Paradontax Daily Fluoride Anticavity and Antigingivitis Toothpaste
-Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Cool! Fluoride Toothpaste
-Sensodyne Toothpaste
No matter which toothpaste you use, it works best with regular flossing and trips to your local dentist. At Galliano Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, we offer decades of experience with general and cosmetic dentistry. Give us a call for consultation at 225.296.0212 today!