If you’ve been to the toothpaste aisle at your local store, you are already aware of the hundreds of different toothpastes available.
With so many options:
- How do you choose the best toothpaste?
- Which toothpaste is the right one to meet all of your needs?
- Which toothpaste is right for you and your family?
- Which toothpaste should you buy?
We are going to talk about this topic right now and answer your questions, so please join us…
Information you’ll see on toothpaste labels
Fluoride content– You will notice that a lot of toothpastes contain fluoride, which is important for cavity prevention. It can be referred to as: monofluoride phosphate (MFP), sodium fluoride, or stannous fluoride. Choose one that contains the amount of fluoride you need for healthy teeth and gums. Our dentists will be more than happy to speak to you about fluoride and the amount you need.
The ADA seal of acceptance- Choose a toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)— Avoid SLS if you get canker sores often or if you have sensitive teeth.
Sensitive formulas— A toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help those who suffer from tooth hypersensitivity.
Whitening formulas— If you want to whiten your teeth and remove stains, it is best (and most effective) to choose a professional teeth whitening service at your dentist’s office. Our professional teeth whitening services at Babylon Dental Care can be found on this webpage.
Tartar control— Only a professional teeth cleaning service performed at your dentist’s office can remove hardened plaque and tartar.
Abrasiveness— Check with our dentists to determine which level of abrasiveness is best for your teeth and gums.
These are just some of the things you’ll notice on a tube of toothpaste (source: http://www.consumersearch.com/toothpaste/how-to-buy-toothpaste).
Confused about which toothpaste is right for you?
Don’t allow yourself to be persuaded by toothpaste ads and commercials. Ask your dentist which is the best toothpaste to suit your needs, as well as your family’s dental needs. Keep in mind—you may need to buy more than one type of toothpaste for your household, especially if you have young kids who need children’s toothpaste.
In addition to ads and commercials, many people are influenced by a certain brand name, price, whitening benefits, and flavor.
We know it can be confusing. So, if you need help deciphering toothpaste labels, ask us. We can help you choose the best toothpaste.
Whether you’re a smoker, someone who has sensitive teeth and gums, or are interested in teeth whitening, there is a toothpaste out there to suit your needs.
Types of toothpaste
One type of toothpaste won’t work for every single person. Why else do you think there are hundreds of toothpaste options on the market? Different types of toothpaste include:
- Gel or paste formulas
- Different flavors
- Baking soda toothpastes
- Tartar control toothpastes
- Sensitive teeth formulated toothpastes
- Smoker’s toothpastes
- Children’s toothpastes
- Teeth whitening toothpastes
- Fluoride enhanced toothpastes
- Natural toothpastes
- Non-fluoride toothpastes
Also, if you have children at home, look for the letters “ppmf” (parts per million fluoride) on the toothpaste tube (source: http://www.medic8.com/cosmetic-dentistry/dental-hygiene/toothpaste/types.html). This tells you how much fluoride is in the toothpaste.
If you have any questions, or if you’d like to find out how much fluoride your child needs, talk to your dentist. If you are searching for a new dentist on the South Shore of Long Island in or around the West Babylon or Patchogue areas, please give our practice nearest you a call today!
We have two locations (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay and Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza) and would love to meet you and your family.
