Walking through the toothpaste aisle could seem overwhelming at times. There are so many options in front of you that it gets tough to choose the “right” one.
There are many brands and flavours of toothpaste, including different varieties claiming to whiten teeth or eliminate bad breath. Some toothpaste ads could lead people to think you have to pick a type that is supposedly better at killing bacteria. Others tell you to get the one that could whiten your teeth and improve your smile.
Dental care is essential to maintaining one’s health and oral hygiene, and choosing the right toothpaste can help you stay healthier and boost your confidence.
How does one pick a toothpaste that works best for their dental care routine? Read on and find out.
Why Does Picking the Best Toothpaste Matter?
Brushing one’s teeth is vital to maintaining good dental habits, although it might be difficult for some people. The latest information from Statistics Canada shows that only over one-third of Canadians report brushing at least twice a day and flossing their teeth at least once daily.
Your toothbrush and toothpaste are things you need every day, which is why choosing the right toothpaste is a significant part of getting quality dental care.
There are many types of toothpaste that cater to people’s different needs. Your dentist could recommend specific types of toothpaste according to the condition of your teeth and possible treatment goals.
Some common types of toothpaste include:
- Fluoride Toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps make your teeth more resistant to cavities. Studies have shown that fluoride does have significant effects on improving dental health and reducing harm from cavities.
- Tartar Control Toothpaste. Tartar is dental plaque that hardens when it isn’t removed adequately by regular dental hygiene practices. Tartar control toothpaste contains fluoride and active ingredients like pyrophosphates and zinc citrate. Others have the antibiotic triclosan, which kills some mouth bacteria.
- Whitening Toothpaste. Having slightly yellow teeth is normal, but many people associate teeth whitening with beauty standards. Some teeth may also become stained due to genetics, smoking, diet, or age. Whitening toothpaste usually does not contain bleach but uses mildly abrasive ingredients to remove any surface stains.
- Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth. This toothpaste is suitable for people whose teeth become easily irritated, usually by hot or cold temperatures. It may contain potassium nitrate, fluoride, or strontium chloride, which helps block pain signals between the tooth’s surface and the nerves within them.
How To Pick the Right Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth usually takes less than five minutes of your day, and most of us rarely think twice about it.
One should always value the importance of brushing your teeth since the products you choose can help address any dental problems you may have.
We’ve gathered seven tips below to help you pick a toothpaste that best serves your dental needs.
1. Find a Brand Approved by the Canadian Dental Association
When shopping for a new toothpaste, one of the first things you should do is check if the product has been approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).
The CDA Seal helps consumers make more informed choices, especially surrounding products claiming benefits for your dental health. It’s a seal of approval that indicates whether a product is scientifically capable of delivering its claims.
For a product to obtain a CDA seal, they need to state the oral health benefits they believe their product offers and then submit evidence to these claims. The CDA will then conduct an independent investigation to confirm whether these claims are accurate.
2. Look for Fluoride
Fluoride is often present in most toothpaste brands and varieties, but what does it do?
This naturally-occurring compound is recommended by dentists worldwide due to its effectiveness in helping remineralize weak tooth enamel, reverse the symptoms of early tooth decay, and prevent harmful oral bacterial growth.
Using fluoride toothpaste regularly helps you reap the benefits of this compound, strengthening your teeth and keeping tooth decay at bay.
3. Check the Tartar Control Level
Suppose you’re especially concerned about preventing the growth of tartar on your teeth. In that case, you could also look at brands that offer tartar control benefits.
Every time we eat, we risk the formation of plaque, a sticky film on the surface of our teeth made up of bacteria, food particles, and other debris. These could harden into tartar if one doesn’t brush their teeth regularly or adequately to remove plaque. This is more difficult to remove.
The unique formulation of tartar control toothpaste is meant to prevent this stubborn buildup. However, it might not be as helpful in removing the tartar that is already there, making it essential to visit a dentist.
4. Take the User’s Age into Account
Despite the benefits of fluoride for your teeth, too much fluoride exposure, especially in children, could cause dental fluorosis, which could cause white spots to form on the teeth. Severe cases could also manifest as pits forming on the tooth.
It is therefore essential to consider the person’s age and dental needs when buying toothpaste. Adults are often more resilient to dental fluorosis and have the faculties to know that you should not swallow toothpaste.
Children’s toothpaste varieties often have fun flavours that make them more palatable for picky youngsters. However, the toothpaste’s safety will depend on how you or your kids use it. When kids brush their teeth, you must teach them not to swallow the toothpaste and spit it out after brushing.
5. Consider Your Teeth’s Sensitivity
When consuming cold or hot food and beverages pains you, it’s usually a sign of sensitive teeth. If you live with this problem, you might want to invest in toothpaste meant to address this.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel has worn down, exposing the dentin which is connected to your nerves. Desensitizing toothpaste blocks the pain signals, helping reduce the pain you experience.
Dentistry on 7th can Help You Pick the Right Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste could seem overwhelming, mainly due to the many factors you want to consider or the wealth of choices you can access. However, a dentist could help you choose a toothpaste that best fits your needs.
It’s a good thing that you can always visit and consult Dentistry on 7th for some quality Hamilton dental care. The city’s growing population is sure to benefit from the team’s expert advice and years of experience providing quality dental care for the people of Hamilton, Ontario.
If you have additional questions about finding the right toothpaste or other dental needs, we’d love to help! Contact us today for a checkup or to schedule an appointment with our team of licensed dental professionals at Dentistry on 7th.
FAQs on Picking the Right Toothpaste
1. Does the type of toothpaste matter?
Most, if not all, kinds of toothpaste can clean the teeth, which is its primary function. However, getting a particular type of toothpaste would be better if you wish to address some dental issues, like sensitive teeth, tartar, or discolouration.
2. How does fluoride protect teeth?
Fluoride protects teeth by strengthening the tooth’s enamel or outermost layer. This compound helps your teeth become more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay.
3. Does fluoride toothpaste expire?
Yes. Although not necessarily harmful, expired toothpaste may not be as effective as before its expiration date.