How can you be certain what toothpaste is best for you when there are so many different brands to choose from? When choosing a toothpaste, many people will go for the brand that helps to fight cavities, strengthen enamel, whiten teeth or remove stains. This can be a hard choice to make because toothpaste comes in many different flavors, colors, tubes and dispensers. Since this product is something that is used every day and is crucial for your oral health, it is important to be knowledgeable about toothpaste. Examining the ingredients that are in toothpaste and the different types that are on the market will help you choose the right one for your personal health.
Ingredients in toothpaste:
- Abrasive agents: These agents help to gently scrub the surface of your teeth to remove food particles and stains, without seriously damaging tooth enamel.
- Fluoride: This ingredient removes plaque, which is a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums because of eating or drinking. Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste because only products that contain fluoride get the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
- Detergent: This is incorporated into toothpastes to create a foaming action that is gentle on the teeth and the gums.
- Flavoring agents: Distinctive flavors and artificial sweeteners give toothpaste a pleasant taste.
- Anti-drying agents: These agents keep the toothpaste soft and prevent water loss so it does not dry up and become hard.
- Thickening agents: These agents act as binders to stabilize the toothpaste.
Types of toothpaste:
- Tartar Control: Tartar is a hardened, mineralized, bacterial plaque that is stuck on teeth. Tartar control toothpaste aims to prevent tartar from forming and removes the existing tartar.
- Strengthening Toothpaste: This toothpaste aims to strengthen the enamel and contains fluoride, but is less abrasive.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Although all of us want our teeth to be sparkling white, many of the foods and drinks we consume stain our teeth. Whitening toothpaste contains more abrasives to help scrub teeth and remove stains as quickly as possible.
- Sensitive Toothpaste: Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and have trouble eating hot or cold foods. This toothpaste contains desensitizing ingredients to help reduce pain. Although pain will subside, it will take some time before you get relief.
- Natural Toothpaste: Natural toothpaste will contain all natural ingredients as opposed to synthetic ones. However, it is still important to choose a natural toothpaste that contains fluoride to ensure the ADA Seal of Approval.
When choosing your toothpaste, it is important to take your personal needs into account. Find a product that is approved by the ADA and has a taste and texture that you like. When you like your toothpaste and see results from brushing regularly, you will be more inclined to brush. It is best to consult with your dentist first, who will also be able to recommend toothpastes based on your personal requirements.
