Recent advances made by modern dentistry include many products available to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, having many choices available can confuse you and make it difficult to choose the best product for you. Continue reading to learn more about how to choose the right toothpaste for your needs. Schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
Choose an ADA Approved Toothpaste
Manufacturers of special kinds of toothpaste make so many claims that you want to be sure they can deliver on their promises. The most reliable way to do this is choosing a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. When you choose an ADA approved toothpaste, you can be sure it has met all their strict criteria, including:
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It contains only the ingredients listed on the packaging.
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It is safe to use as directed.
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It can deliver the advertised benefit. For example, if it claims to reduce plaque and tartar, it must have the ingredients to accomplish this.
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It poses no threat to causing undesirable side effects.
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It does not contain sugar or any other ingredient known to promote tooth decay.
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It has undergone rigorous scientific research and testing.
Choose a Toothpaste with Fluoride
The reason that all ADA-approved toothpaste contains fluoride is the excellent safety and success of fluoride. The addition of fluoride to community water and toothpaste has significantly impacted the prevalence of dental decay in children and adults. Before teeth erupt in children, ingested fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to make teeth more resistant to decay.
Once teeth erupt, fluoride in your toothpaste can help beginning cavities remineralize or harden before turning into larger cavities that require dental fillings. As you get older, the surfaces of your roots can become exposed to your oral cavity and you more susceptible to cavities. Using toothpaste with fluoride can help remove dental plaque from the roots. This helps prevent root decay and possibly the loss of a tooth.
Choose a Toothpaste to Meet Your Needs
Beyond an ADA-approved toothpaste that contains fluoride, you can choose from one of the many special kinds of toothpaste to help address one or more dental issues. It is best to discuss your choice of toothpaste with your dentist, because there are so many choices. Some of the common problems that toothpaste can help with include:
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Tooth sensitivity
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Gingivitis
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Tartar
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Discolored teeth
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Halitosis
Use Your Toothpaste Correctly
Choosing the best toothpaste for your needs is an important part of your complete oral hygiene routine. Once you choose your toothpaste, it is essential to use it correctly for the whitest and healthiest teeth. Here are some tips to get the most benefit from your favorite toothpaste:
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Choose a toothbrush with an appropriately sized head for the size of your mouth.
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Replace your toothbrush regularly every three to four months.
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Don’t use too much toothpaste. This is a common mistake people make. You only need a small amount of toothpaste to get your teeth clean.
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Brush your teeth gently using a circular motion. Avoid brushing with a horizontal stroke since this can damage your teeth and gums.
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Make sure to brush long enough. Most people brush for less than one minute. This does not give your toothpaste enough time to accomplish its goals. Set a timer, if necessary, to make sure you brush for at least two minutes.
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Don’t swallow the toothpaste, and don’t rinse with water after brushing. Spit the toothpaste out and wait for at least one hour to eat or drink.
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It is best not to share your tube of toothpaste, especially if you or the other person is sick.
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Contact your dentist if you think your toothpaste causes tooth sensitivity or other problems.
Book an Appointment
We can help you choose the best toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your gums and teeth healthy and looking their best. Schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!