How to Choose the Best Toothpaste

Toothpaste is often one of those products that doesn’t get much thought, kind of like toilet paper. You know you need it, so you buy whatever is cheapest, whatever you’re familiar with, or whatever has the best advertising. But toothpaste should be much more than just an afterthought. After all, it is a necessity for great oral hygiene!

Not sure how to choose the best toothpaste? Here are Dr. Elbrecht’s and Dr. Summerlin’s top 5 tips!

  1. Look for fluoride toothpaste.

There is some controversy out there right now about the safety of fluoride and fluoride treatments. And while it is not safe for children under the age of 3, it is a highly recommended ingredient for adults because of it’s incredible ability to fight off cavities. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it, even if you prefer natural toothpaste.

  1. Read the ingredients.

Some kinds of toothpaste are intended solely for adults, while others are made specifically for children. Before buying toothpaste, make sure that the label says that it’s for the correct age group and does what you want it to do.

You should also be reading over the ingredient list. You’ll want a toothpaste with minimal flavorings or excess ingredients. Make sure you know what each listed ingredient is – and be sure to look for fluoride!

  1. Is it ADA approved?

The American Dental Association has a list of approved toothpaste and oral products. Although these brands of toothpaste meet the requirements from the ADA, toothpaste brands are not required to get approved. Some really great toothpaste brands don’t have the seal of acceptance from the ADA.

That said, looking for an ADA approved toothpaste is a great place to start, but it shouldn’t be your only criteria.

  1. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid whitening toothpaste.

Some people have more sensitive teeth than others and therefore should avoid whitening toothpaste. The chemicals in them that whiten your teeth may be too harsh for you. If you do want whiter teeth, talk to your dentist. You may be a good candidate for teeth whitening!

  1. Consult with your family dentist if you have specific dental problems.

Part of choosing the best toothpaste is knowing your dental needs. For instance, dentures cannot be cleaned using regular toothpaste and require their own cleaning paste. Your family dentist may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse or teach you how to brush your teeth or floss correctly.

Does it matter which toothpaste I use?

If you care about your oral health, picking the best toothpaste is important. Educating yourself on what to look for can help minimize unnecessary ingredients, whiten your teeth, decrease decay, prevent gum disease, and can help you pick a safer option.

If you need advice on picking the best toothpaste, or you need to see a family dentist, give us a call to schedule your appointment.

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