When it comes to taking care of your teeth and gums, the kind of toothpaste you choose can really make a difference. It all depends on the current state of your oral health. When looking at the dozens of brands to choose from at your local supermarket or drug store, you may think that one toothpaste is just as good as another. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some of the types of toothpaste most recommended by dentists, and who should be using each one.
- Tartar control toothpastes: Tartar is the hardened plaque material that forms on the tooth surface. In truth, only a trained dental hygienist or dentist using specially designed tools can actually remove tartar. But once you’ve gone through a professional cleaning, you can use a tartar control toothpaste to help prevent it from forming again. This type of product is especially useful for people who are prone to fast tartar buildup.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely effective in fighting tooth decay. If you are cavity-prone, a fluoride toothpaste can help. This type of product is also a great choice for kids, since they are usually more likely to develop tooth decay than adults. Be sure to check with your dentist before choosing a fluoride toothpaste for your children, however, since too much fluoride can actually damage and/or discolor the tooth surface.
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, this type of toothpaste is a must-have. Desensitizing toothpastes work wonders. Usually within just a few days of using this type of toothpaste, your sensitivity will be greatly decreased or will go away altogether. There are several brands to choose from, and most of them are equally effective.
- Whitening toothpastes: Tooth whitening products have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Although whitening toothpastes can take a long time to produce any visible whitening results, they do actually work – you just need to continue using them consistently over a long period of time.
Whatever toothpaste you choose, make sure it is approved by the American Dental Association. If you aren’t sure about the quality of a certain brand, ask your dentist. Of course, no toothpaste is effective if you don’t use it, so be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. And, of course, remember to visit your dentist at least twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings.
