Most of us don’t think about shopping for toothpaste. We go to the store and buy what we usually use. However, when you decide to be more conscious of your dental health, you could be overwhelmed by the variety of brands and flavors available. And then, you must also consider options such as whitening, fluoride, tartar control, natural, sensitive, and antimicrobial.
These days, not all toothpastes are created equal. But what should you look for in a toothpaste? This is a question dentists hear almost every day, which is why the team at Babylon Dental Care has created this guide to help you feel more confident in the toothpaste aisle and during your brushing routine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toothpaste
When selecting a toothpaste, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Fluoride content – Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Abrasiveness – Toothpastes contain abrasives to help remove plaque and stains. However, some are more abrasive than others and could damage enamel over time. Opt for a moderately abrasive formula.
- Sensitivities – If your teeth are prone to pain while brushing, eating, or drinking, look for a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Scan the label for ingredients like potassium nitrate, which can help relieve discomfort.
- Whitening – Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains. However, they also contain harsher abrasives. Use sparingly if you have sensitive teeth.
- Breath freshening – Some toothpastes contain mint, cinnamon, or other flavors to help freshen breath. Choose a flavor you enjoy.
- Tartar control – Toothpastes with tartar control include ingredients to help prevent tartar buildup and plaque. These are a good choice if you are prone to tartar.
The Importance of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that plays an essential role in oral health and cavity prevention. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Strengthens tooth enamel – Fluoride helps mineralize and harden tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks that cause cavities.
- Reduces demineralization – It helps prevent demineralization, which is when acid causes minerals to leech out of teeth.
- Promotes remineralization – Fluoride also aids remineralization, where minerals are redeposited back into weakened areas of enamel.
- Inhibits bacterial growth – It can inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria like streptococcus mutans.
- Provides ongoing protection – Using a fluoride toothpaste provides contact with fluoride all day long to continually strengthen and protect teeth.
Does Brand Matter?
There are more toothpaste brands today than ever before. Can one brand claim superiority over all the others? The truth is that if you ask five dentists which toothpaste brand they prefer, you might receive five different answers. The most important things to consider are whether the toothpaste is approved by the American Dental Association and whether it meets your oral hygiene needs.
Want to Know More? Book an Appointment with Babylon Dental Care Today
To know what toothpaste is right for you, you need to understand your own oral health requirements. When you book a checkup at Babylon Dental Care, we can perform a comprehensive assessment of your teeth and gums to help you determine which type of toothpaste is right for you. Call us today at (631) 983-6665 or contact us online to schedule your next appointment.
