“What is the best toothpaste to use?” is a question that patients often ask us.
There are so many choices that it can be hard to know what to do, especially when there is a lot of information to think about.
First of all, no toothpaste can save your smile if you don’t brush and floss every day. But if you follow your dentist’s instructions, the right gel or paste can help prevent gum pain, stained teeth, cavities, and other more serious dental problems potentially.
Second, always pick a toothpaste that the ADA (Australian Dental Association) has approved . This means that it has been tested and found to be effective. It also means that it has fluoride, which the ADA calls “nature’s cavity fighter.” It covers the teeth and keeps acids from making holes in them.
A sticky film of bacteria is trying to form on your teeth all day, every day. Plaque is the name for this film, and when it comes in contact with certain foods, mostly sugars, it makes acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, leaving tiny holes (cavities).
Calculus, which is also called tartar, is made up of bacteria that have hardened into plaque. Once it gets to this point, it won’t come off no matter how hard you brush. Only a dentist can take it off.
There are different kinds of toothpaste that are made for different (or more than one) reasons, such as caring for sensitive teeth, whitening/removing stains, preventing plaque and tartar, having a lot of fluoride, or being all-natural or herbal.
Sensitive toothpaste
There are many reasons why people have sensitive teeth, such as gum recession, gum disease, brushing too hard, and grinding their teeth. If a dentist has spotted any serious dental problems, people with sensitive teeth due to receding gums or wear that has exposed the dentine should use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
You should try a few different types of sensitive toothpaste because they all work in different ways and what works for one person might not work for another.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste has more abrasive particles to help remove stains, and some also have a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to help whiten teeth.
Years ago, whitening toothpastes had bigger particles that were too rough on teeth if you used them every day. Nowadays, the particles are smaller and won’t do as much damage if you use them every day. Even though these particles will help remove stains, if the stains are old or dark, you may need to see a dentist for proper tooth cleaning and/or whitening.
People who want whiter teeth should talk to a dentist about their options. Whitening toothpastes, like “Colgate Optic White,” may only make teeth 1-2 shades whiter, while other, more popular whitening procedures can make teeth 6-8 shades whiter.
Only toothpastes made for smokers should not be used every day because they are too rough on the teeth and gums.
Plaque-fighting, fluoride-rich, and natural toothpaste:
Some toothpastes that prevent calculus and plaque have an antibacterial agent like triclosan that helps stop bacteria from colonising.
Patients who are more likely to get cavities may need to use a high-fluoride toothpaste, like “Colgate Neutrafluor 5000,” to help stop new cavities from forming. The fluoride in the toothpaste will harden any demineralized enamel, which will stop new cavities from forming.
There are a lot of different kinds of toothpaste. Some, like “Sensodyne Pronamel,” have a lot of fluoride and can whiten teeth. Others can help reduce bacteria, stains, sensitivity, and whiten teeth all at the same time.
Some patients may want to use a toothpaste made only of natural ingredients or herbs. It’s important to use one that has fluoride, but these have been shown to work just as well.
At the end of the day, if you aren’t sure which toothpaste is best for you or have any questions, ask our dentist or dental hygienist at DDII Gosford. We will be able to give you advice on choosing the suitable toothpaste.