Do you feel overwhelmed in the toothpaste aisle? With the vast number of different toothpaste options on the market, that feeling isn’t uncommon. Read on to learn how you should select toothpaste the next time you visit the supermarket.
What Should I Look for in a Toothpaste?
The answer is that there is no one toothpaste that is best for everyone. Different people have different needs. Rather than suggesting you must buy XYZ toothpaste, what we’d tell you is that you should evaluate your dental concerns and select your toothpaste based on the issue you’d like to address. Just be sure to choose a toothpaste you like so you aren’t tempted to skimp on brushing.
Also, remember this important caveat—you should always look for a fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Most toothpastes will fall into that category, but for a complete list, click here.
Whitening Toothpaste…
Whitening toothpaste uses special abrasives and chemicals to remove surface stains. However, they can increase sensitivity. So, if sensitive teeth are an issue for you, you might want to avoid using a whitening toothpaste.
Additionally, although whitening toothpastes can be effective at removing the types of stains caused by coffee or smoking, they can’t lighten stains beneath the surface of your teeth. For the best whitening results, we recommend you schedule a Boost Whitening treatment at our office.
Toothpaste for Sensitivity…
If your teeth are prone to temperature sensitivity, we’d definitely recommend you use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne. Toothpastes like these form a barrier or plug over the areas (like exposed root surfaces) that cause sensitivity.
Just remember that if you use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, it won’t be as foamy—that’s not an accident, it’s by design. If you’re bothered by the lack of suds, consider a sensitive toothpaste like Colgate Sensitive Smart White Foam Toothpaste which offers 30% more foaming action.
Kid’s Toothpaste…
Naturally, you want to pick a toothpaste that your kids will like. However, before you do, remember these important tips:
- Fluoride May Be Unnecessary. Children who can’t spit well—those who are typically below 3-1/2 years of age—should not be given fluoride toothpaste. Once they’re able to spit properly, you should make the switch to a children’s fluoride toothpaste.
- A Grain of Rice Is the Standard. In the past, we used to say that kids should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. That’s no longer the case. Today, the standard is to use an amount that’s about equal in size to a grain of rice.
Prescription Toothpaste…
For some of our patients, a prescription-strength toothpaste is best. Prescription toothpastes contain five times the amount of fluoride as regular toothpastes.
Typically, prescription toothpaste is recommended for people who are prone to cavities. These include: those with poor oral hygiene, individuals with highly acidic diets, those whose medical issues and/or medications cause a higher risk for cavities, and folks with dexterity problems. If you’re not sure whether you fall into one of these categories, just ask us at your next appointment.
Speaking of your next appointment, are we due for some quality time together? If so, it’s easy to schedule your dental visit. Simply call our office at 614.328.9489 or click here to request an appointment online.
We are located at 6304 Scioto Darby Road in Hilliard and offer evening office hours for your convenience.
