Consider These 3 Factors When Buying Toothpaste

| June 12, 2014

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Brushing our teeth is a daily activity, which makes toothpaste a staple household item. There are so many options out there for toothpaste it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a couple tips from the professionals to help you find the best toothpaste to meet your needs.

Pay Attention To The Ingredients

Depending on your own needs choosing toothpaste with or without any of these ingredients can be helpful.

  • Fluoride is a common ingredient in most toothpastes with the exceptions of toddler and organic formulas. It is used to dramatically help reduce tooth decay.
  • Another active ingredient in many formulas is sodium laurel sulphate, which can help with stain removal. However, it can cause tissue sloughing for some and should be avoided if you suffer from or start to notice sensitivity.
  • A newer ingredient to the market is Xylitol and can be used to prevent plaque buildup.

What Are You Trying To Achieve?

Whether you have sensitive teeth or want to keep yours as white as possible there’s bound to be something out there to fit your needs. Below are a few of the different types of toothpaste you can find while shopping around:

  • Whitening: Most whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients to remove and prevent stains from forming on the teeth. When used regularly they can give you a whiter and brighter smile. However, many may be too harsh for those with sensitive teeth and/or gums.
  • Antimicrobial: Antimicrobial toothpastes usually contain fluoride to help fight off cavities. They are also a more beneficial choice for those with sensitivity issues.
  • Tartar Control: These types of toothpastes usually contain chemicals that help to keep tartar from forming. However you’ll need a professional cleaning to remove tartar that has already began to form.

Look For The ADA Seal

The American Dental Association (ADA) has been stamping safe and effective dental products with a seal of approval for 70 years. The seal is awarded for a three-year period and must be reapplied for by the manufacturer after these three years, to continue using it. It must also be reapplied for if there are any changes to the product. There are 100’s of consultants and oral scientists who review the dental products in order to determine the safety and effectiveness to see if they meet the ADA standards. These days there are almost 400 products available with the stamp of approval including toothpaste, dental floss, mouth rinses and toothbrushes.

At the end of the day choosing a type of toothpaste is a matter of personal choice. No one brand or type will work for everyone. Ultimately, spending at least two minutes twice a day brushing your teeth and gums will be the best plan of attack to remove plaque, fight off gingivitis and keep up with oral hygiene.

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