We all use toothpaste (or at least, we should) but we don’t always pay attention to the brands we buy: for sensitive teeth, tartar control, fluoride- what’s it all mean? There are different kinds of toothpastes for different dental needs. 

Toothpastes vary based on their active ingredients. There are some ingredients, however, that remain throughout most brands:

• Abrasive Agents: These are the rough materials that are used to scrape food particles and other stains from your teeth.
• Flavor: Whether minty or bubble gum, most toothpastes contain some kind of flavoring.
• Humectants: This simply refers to products in the toothpaste that help with moisture retention- keeping the paste from drying out.
• Thickeners: Gums and other gooey molecules help toothpastes maintain their thick texture.
• Detergents: Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common detergent in toothpastes used to create the suds you see when brushing.

Different types of toothpastes include:

• Fluoride-rich toothpastes (anti-decay): These toothpastes contain above average amounts of fluoride compounds and are incredibly effective at preventing tooth decay.
• Sensitive teeth toothpaste: Sensitive toothpastes are made to accommodate those with unusually sensitive teeth. These pastes interrupt pain responses and help make brushing less painful.
• Whitening toothpaste: These toothpastes usually contain more coarse abrasives to better scrub the teeth to remove stains.
• Anti-plaque toothpaste: Anti-plaque toothpastes prevent plaque from building up on teeth and reduce your risk of gum disease.

If you’re not sure what toothpaste fits your dental needs, Greenspoint Dental is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a better smile.