A trip down the toothpaste aisle can be a little overwhelming. There are so many choices among toothpastes – a surplus of products to choose from, most of which promise whiter teeth, and you need to choose the product that is right for your mouth.
We would like to break down some of your options and give you some pointers that may help you have a confident approach to choosing a toothpaste.
This ultimate toothpaste guide from Smart Smiles Dental will make your life easier, at least when it comes to choosing a toothpaste.
There are a few different forms of toothpaste on the market. It comes as a paste, gel and even a powder. Pastes and gels are the most common and easy to find, though, with very few brands offering tooth powders. Most manufacturers also have quite a few formulas to choose from, each with its own unique purpose, benefits and, sometimes, drawbacks. You need to be able to choose the toothpaste that is right for you!
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.
In children under 6 years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralisation as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
Teeth whitening toothpaste is designed to remove some surface stains on teeth although it cannot actually lighten the color of your teeth. The only way to truly lighten the color of your teeth is to have a professional teeth whitening.
This is why we often recommend, for patients who want whiter teeth, that they take advantage of Smart Smiles’ quick and dramatic in-office whitening treatment, or our convenient at-home whitening kits.
Tartar control toothpaste is a good choice for people who are looking to prevent tartar buildup. These products contain ingredients that are effective in breaking down plaque on the teeth before it hardens into harder-to-remove plaque.
It is important to note, though, that it does little to prevent tartar buildup below the gum line, and it is intended to prevent tartar from forming rather than remove it.
If you have sensitive teeth, that flash of pain is caused by dentin (the bone at the core of your teeth) being exposed allowing heat and cold to have increased impact on your sensitive tooth nerves. Sensitive toothpastes have ingredients that work to protect your tooth and ease pain related to hot or cold temperatures.
If you do have sensitive teeth, you should also come in to Smart Smiles Dental to have a complete checkup to ensure that there are no underlying dental problems causing your sensitivity.
These are what they sound like, often made of herbal and earth-friendly ingredients. Some of the ingredients can include mint and fluoride to name just two. Although some natural toothpaste can be a bit more expensive, they can work the same way as a regular paste.
These toothpastes are for people who don’t like the chemical ingredients found in traditional toothpastes.
As soon as you see teeth breaking through the gum line, it’s time to start brushing your child’s teeth, even when they’re only baby teeth. It’s never too early to get your children in the habit of maintaining their oral health, and most children’s toothpaste available on the market today are designed for children aged two and up.
Getting them toothpaste they like (for example, if it has their favorite animated character on the packaging) will increase the likelihood they’ll use it without putting up a fight.
Many parents have questions about when fluoride is appropriate in children’s toothpaste, and the answer is often dependent on the child’s toothbrushing ability. If you have any questions about fluoride for you children, ask for a consultation with your Smart Smile Dental dentist!
To start, you really only need a small amount of toothpaste. The size of a pea is enough. Hold your brush at 45 degrees, or perpendicular, to your teeth and gums and brush gently for 2 minutes. Be mindful of brushing each tooth and near your gum line. And be sure not to swallow any excess toothpaste.
To enhance the overall look of your teeth as well as your overall dental health, visit your Deer Park dentist at Smart Smile Dental. We offer a comprehensive range of preventative, general and cosmetic dental procedures to improve the quality of your smile. At Smart Smile Dental experience the benefits of a healthy and good-looking for your lifetime!
Contact us on (03) 8390 5778 or book your appointment online.