Simple dental care habits can make a huge difference in your smile. Great oral hygiene begins with clean teeth, and that means choosing the right toothpaste for your specific needs.
No matter what brand and type of toothpaste you decide to go with, always be sure to choose a toothpaste that has earned an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
As stated on the ADA website, “The ADA Seal of Acceptance program began in 1931 and to this day, dentists and consumers recognize the ADA Seal of Acceptance as the gold standard when it comes to evaluating the safety and efficacy of dental products.”
Today, consumers concerned with oral health are increasingly spending in dental products. According to 2015 statistics, the total amount of money spent annually on toothpaste is $1.8 billion. Amidst the plethora of products lining your average Grosse Pointe area supermarket and pharmacy aisles, choosing the right toothpaste may seem daunting.
Learning more about toothpaste basics and key ingredients suitable for your dental health needs can help you make the right choice.
Detergents
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, then SLS is for you. Sodium lauryl sulfate produces suds that loosen and break down debris while brushing.
Note: SLS is not suitable for people suffering from recurrent mouth ulcers. A study by The University of Oslo found that people experiencing recurrent mouth ulcers noticed a 60% decrease in symptoms when they stopped using toothpaste containing SLS.
Fluoride
Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter, and is an absolute must if you are suffering from tooth sensitivity. This natural occurring mineral helps strengthen tooth enamel and re-mineralizes areas suffering from acid damage and tooth decay.
A common misconception is that a fluoride toothpaste is not required in areas with fluoridated water. However, dentists still recommend using a fluoride toothpaste regardless.
Tartar Control
There is a naturally occurring layer of bacteria on our teeth known as plaque. Without proper oral hygiene, the plaque hardens into tartar that leads to gum disease.
Chemical compounds such as pyrophosphates and zinc citrate have been effective against tartar buildup. If you are suffering from painful sensitivity or bleeding gums, tartar control toothpaste helps provide long-lasting relief.
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial toothpaste contains synthetic compounds like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride that block nerve pathways that cause sensitive teeth.
If you are suffering from swollen or receding gums, you should look for an antimicrobial toothpaste. Triclosan for example, is an antibiotic that kills some of the oral bacteria that cause gum disease (gingivitis).
Whitening
If you are trying to achieve a set of pearly whites, then incorporate a whitening toothpaste into your daily dental regime.
Available for everyday use, whitening toothpastes contain abrasive agents like calcium carbonate and silicates that remove food stains and bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide is a common bleaching agent found in whitening toothpaste.
Prescription
A prescription toothpaste is specially engineered to deliver higher levels of fluoride, calcium and phosphate to your teeth.
If you have recently undergone periodontal procedures or are suffering from certain dental conditions, your local dentist may recommend a prescription toothpaste for you.
For more information on oral hygiene and choosing the right toothpaste for your needs, please contact us through our Fisher Pointe Dental website, call us at 313-379-5726, or step into our Grosse Pointe dental office to schedule an appointment.