Brushing your teeth is a major part of your oral hygiene routine, so choosing the right toothpaste for your needs is critical.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), toothpastes are gels, powders, or pastes that help remove plaque, a film of bacteria and sugars that forms on the teeth and gums each day. Brushing with toothpaste helps to reduce tartar formation, prevent cavities, gum disease and improve overall dental health.
There are many different toothpaste brands and options on the shelves and with eye-catching packaging, clever advertising campaigns and various recommendations, how do you know what the best choice is?
These are a few items to keep in mind when searching for the perfect toothpaste match that will help you achieve a healthier, brighter, and whiter smile:
- Spot the Seal – Always look for a toothpaste that contains the American Dental Association Seal of Approval. This seal ensures that the product was scientifically evaluated and successfully met the ADA’s stringent requirements to be safe and effective.
- Administer the Taste Test – Selecting an ADA-approved toothpaste really can be as easy as finding what passes your personal taste test. Flavoring agents are used simply for improved taste and do not contain any sugars or other ingredients that can promote tooth decay or other harmful oral conditions.
- Keep Your Needs in Mind – If you have specific dental problems, seek a toothpaste with ingredients that will help combat your issues. For instance, if you avoid drinking hot or cold beverages or eating sticky and acidic foods due to tooth sensitivity, look for a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to help reduce any pain or discomfort consuming these may cause. Surface stains on teeth can also hinder you from achieving a bright and white smile, so look for one that contains chemical or abrasive ingredients such as calcium carbonate to help remove and prevent stains from forming on teeth.
If you’re still having trouble finding the right toothpaste or you’re not getting the results you want, take time to talk to your dentist. Dental professionals have access to proprietary types of whitening gels, sensitivity pastes—and most importantly—a tremendous amount of insight to help you achieve optimal oral health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stante today to discuss your needs and find the right options for your oral health!