Anyone shopping at drug or grocery stores know the vast selections of toothpaste lining the shelves. The options are endless, and you may wonder which one is right for you. Brushing your teeth is an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and the toothpaste you choose can play a significant role. The right toothpaste can aid you with avoiding cavities in addition to strengthening your teeth’s enamel. It’s important to know what to consider. Your toothpaste selection must fit your dental care needs.
Start With Fluoride
Fluoride is the first thing you should look for when shopping for toothpaste. It is a mineral that is known to strengthen tooth enamel, which ultimately combats tooth decay.
A quick way to see if the toothpaste has the proper level of fluoride, is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) stamp of approval. All ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride.
Types of Toothpaste
Different types of toothpaste offer differing benefits. Some of the specific types of toothpaste include:
- Whitening
- Desensitizing
- Enamel restoration
- Tartar control
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes use mildly abrasive compounds like baking soda. These abrasives etch stains from the surface of teeth. If you’re someone who tends to drink coffee, tea, or wine, whitening toothpaste may be beneficial. However, speak with your dentist, as prolonged use of whitening toothpaste may make your teeth more sensitive.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth might be a practical choice if you have pain when you drink hot or cold liquids. This could mean that some of your enamel has worn off, or you have a more severe issue. In this case, using a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help rebuild the lost enamel, reducing tooth sensitivity. Sometimes it takes a while for this toothpaste to be effective. One trick you might try is rubbing some of the toothpaste directly onto the sensitive area, leaving it there for a few minutes. After which, you should rinse your mouth, then brush normally.
Tartar Control
Tartar is plaque that sits on the teeth and hardens. If you brush correctly and floss every day, tartar shouldn’t be much of a problem. What little you do have should be taken care of during your regular dental visits.
Tartar control toothpaste contains compounds that are designed to kill bacteria in the mouth, preventing the formation of tartar. If you are doing everything right by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist, tartar control might not be necessary. Once tartar forms, this toothpaste won’t remove it. That will require a trip to your dentist.
Finally, get a toothpaste that tastes good. This may encourage you to brush for a full two minutes. If you are not sure if the toothpaste you use is suitable for oral care, bring it to the office with you when you make an appointment.
Contact Columbia Smiles Today
One way to ensure that you’re using the right toothpaste for your dental needs is to ask the Columbia Smiles staff for recommendations. They will go over the pros and cons of different toothpastes and help you decide what is right for your dental health.
Columbia Smiles has served the people of Howard County for decades. Along with regular dental exams and cleanings, Columbia Smiles offers premier dental services such as:
- Dental veneers and other cosmetic procedures
- Root canals support and crowns
- Dental implant consultations
- Dental repair from trauma
- Teeth whitening
If you are looking for a family dentist in Columbia, MD, give our office a call at 410.690.4855, or contact us online. We are here to answer any questions you might have about your dental care. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy.
