Your toothpaste brand is often overlooked until the last drop is squeezed from the tube. When it’s time to hit the toothpaste aisle, don’t be swayed by the numerous colorful, shiny boxes lining the shelves. What actually factors into achieving a set of healthy chompers is the fine print hidden behind marketing slogans.
Whether you’re purchasing your toothpaste out of habit or you’re drawn to trending brands, most don’t actually think much about what their toothpaste is comprised of. In reality, each person’s pearly whites have their own set of needs and require good quality toothpaste.
Before selecting which toothpaste is best for your teeth, have a serious chat with your pearly whites while keeping the following points in mind.
American Dental Association (ADA) Approved
A good quality toothpaste will have the ADA seal of approval. The ADA is dedicated to advancing the public’s overall health. If your product has its seal, it means it meets basic dental standards and is a reliable, safe, and high-quality dental product.
Contains Fluoride
The ADA recommends brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens your teeth’s enamel and improves your smile’s resistance to decay. If tooth decay and plaque removal are priorities for you, fluoride toothpaste will assist in maintaining your oral health.
Appealing Flavor
It’s recommended that we brush at least twice daily for two minutes at a time, so it’s important to find a toothpaste that appeals to your taste buds. Mint and cinnamon are common, but other options include strawberry, citrus, or even unflavored.
Important Ingredients
Breaking down tricky ingredient names may seem overwhelming, but mastering the label helps determine which oral product fits your needs.
Potassium Nitrate and Strontium Chloride: provide a desensitizing effect for sensitive teeth and help block nerve pathways
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: washes teeth of bacteria, plaque, and food particles but may have harmful effects for those with sensitive teeth and gums
Triclosan: fights bacteria and evidence shows it may contribute to widespread bacterial resistance
Xylitol: helpful for preventing plaque buildup
Marketing Myths
Competition is high in the billion-dollar toothpaste industry, as there’s high consumer demand. Many shelved toothpaste brands claim to treat—or even cure—tooth-related issues, like cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, yellowing, and bad breath. Before investing, educate yourself on the trending claims:
Enamel Restoration: fluoridated toothpaste strengthens enamel, but if you’re showing signs of enamel decay, it won’t help
Aloe Vera Toothpaste: traditional toothpaste is proven to fight plaque or gingivitis, while there’s little evidence aloe vera does the same
Charcoal Toothpaste and Powder: charcoal is abrasive and can damage your teeth enamel with increased long-term sensitivity
Whitening Toothpaste: typical toothpaste won’t whiten your teeth, and whitening toothpaste may contain harsh chemicals that can cause sensitivity with long-term use.
Consult Family Dental Center of Blair
When in doubt, leave it to the professionals! Consult with your dentist on the state of your oral health. If you struggle with tartar protection, gingivitis, or other forms of gum disease, your dentist can make suggestions on the best brand of toothpaste for your teeth.
Family Dental Center of Blair can help you select good-quality toothpaste to improve your dental health. Make an appointment with us for an annual checkup and start the journey to a happy, healthy smile.
