Choosing the Best Toothpaste

There are many difficult choices that we have to make in life – and your toothpaste should be one of them. With the wide variety of choices and benefits that they promote, how do you know which one works best for you? We all have our own oral health needs, so it is important that you identify what yours are. Your needs may be different from your spouses, which means that you don’t necessarily need to use the same brand and product.

Toothpastes come in many forms – powder, gel and paste. But what really make the difference are the ingredients and their target areas – do you have sensitive teeth? Do you want whiter teeth or better tartar control? First, let us take a look at the common ingredients you will find in a tube of toothpaste.  houston dentist

Abrasive agents

Calcium carbonate and silicates aim to scratch and remove food particles, stains, and bacteria from your teeth

Flavoring

Most toothpaste brands have artificial sweeteners to make them taste better. Most are mint-flavored, but other varieties such as lemon-lime, cinnamon, and even bubblegum are available.

Humectants to retain moisture

To prevent gel and paste toothpastes from drying out, they also have ingredients like glycerol to retain moisture.

Thickeners

Toothpastes also contain gum and seaweed materials to thicken the consistency of the product. It also helps the toothpaste obtain its texture.

Detergents

These produce the suds that form when brushing your teeth.

When choosing toothpaste, what should you be looking for?

The most essential ingredient is fluoride. It is a naturally-occurring mineral and has been known to fight tooth decay and cavity for a long time. All dental problems start with bacteria that react to food particles, effectively making the mouth acidic and the teeth prone to eroding. Fluoride works by protecting the teeth from the acid and helps the teeth get stronger so it is not easily eroded. Furthermore, fluoride promotes the process of remineralization, which reverses any previous damage to the teeth.

By using fluoride toothpaste, you are sure to reap the benefits of this mineral. Also, if your tap water already contains fluoride, your teeth can still do more with the additional supply from your toothpaste.

Should I consider tartar control toothpaste?

There are many types of toothpaste in the market that aim to control tartar. But pick the one which also contains fluoride.

We all have a layer of bacteria in our teeth enamel, and this is called plaque. If not addressed immediately, this layer will harden to tartar. At this point, tartar is more difficult to remove and if left as is, it can crawl towards the gums, which would then result in gum disease.

Tartar-fighting compounds such as zinc citrate and pyrophosphates are effective, as well as the compound triclosan.

Your oral health should always be a priority. Do not mindlessly pick a brand from the grocery aisle, because your choices can make or break your teeth.

If you are looking for professional cleaning, teeth whitening and dental restoration procedures, contact the Greenspoint Dental for a free consultation. We also have a myriad of other services that you may consider for the best oral health you’ve ever had.