How to pick a toothpaste that works for you

Go into any pharmacy or grocery store, and you will be spoiled for choice with all the different brands and types of toothpaste out there. With so many toothpastes to choose from and in all different price ranges, it can be hard to know which one is the right one for your teeth. Here are some tips and answers to commonly asked questions to help you be more informed while you choose your toothpaste.

Tip #1: Choose a product approved by the American Dental Association.

The American Dental Association (ADA) puts their logo on tested and approved dental products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and dental floss when the product meets certain quality standards. Before products can display the seal, the American Dental Association verifies that the product does exactly what it claims to do. Make sure to look out for the American Dental Association seal on the toothpaste you pick before you throw it in your cart. 

Tip #2: Make sure it contains fluoride.

The one ingredient you should always look for in your toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral found not only in the earth itself (soil, water, rocks) but also in our bodies as well. It helps to fight cavities and protects  your tooth enamel. Fluoride is beneficial to teeth because it helps to remineralize weakened tooth enamel and slow down the loss of tooth enamel as long as no tooth decay is involved. It also works to reverse the early signs of tooth decay and prevents the growth of oral bacteria that could be harmful to your teeth. 

Be wary of toothpastes that don’t have fluoride in it, as many studies have shown that fluoride in toothpaste, that is certified by the ADA, is important and essential for your oral health. 

TIp #3: Want whiter teeth? Choose a toothpaste with baking soda. 

Baking soda is great for teeth whitening because it is a very mild abrasive, helping to remove stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging the enamel. In addition to that, baking soda is alkaline and salty, which helps lighten acid-based food stains, such as coffee, tea, and red wine stains on teeth. 

Tip #4: Different toothpastes can help with a myriad of issues.

Did you know toothpaste can do more than just clean your teeth? There are formulas that can do a lot to help your oral health, such as:

• Combat bad breath/halitosis 
• Care for sensitive teeth
• Help fight plaque or gingivitis
• Fight tartar
• Help whiten stained/yellowing teeth

You can also go to the American Dental Association’s website and use their tool that lets users input their toothpaste requirements and get the names of all the toothpastes that can help with your particular toothpaste request and these will have the ADA approval seal on them as well.

Tip #5: Use Fluoride toothpaste coupled with flossing and mouthwash and you will be unstoppable!

Brushing your teeth with a great toothpaste is one step in maintaining great oral hygiene, but flossing and mouthwash are also important steps to your everyday oral health. 

Flossing is important in your oral routine because tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque starts to build up on teeth and along the gum line. Flossing removes plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush just can’t reach.

Mouthwash kills bacteria by using antiseptic ingredients like alcohol and menthol. These ingredients can get into the nooks and crannies between your teeth and harder to reach places in the back of your mouth. Fluoride is used in mouthwash as well, and helps with each of these functions.

In a 2007 study, researchers had school-aged children test mouthwash with added fluoride and the study found that the mouthwash reduced the number of cavities by more than 50 percent compared to the control group. Not only can mouthwash help fight gingivitis and prevent cavities, but it will likely save parents from considerably higher dental bills down the line. 

Dental Quick Tips

Here are some dentist recommended tips for maintaining good oral health:

• Brush twice a day. 
• Floss daily. 
• Brush your tongue. 
• Clean dentures regularly. 
• Try to avoid dry mouth, as bacteria can grow easier.
• Get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. 
• Schedule regular dental checkups. 

The Importance of Regular dental checkups

This may be the most important tip, as no one is more qualified in the art of dental health than your dentist.  Dentists and dental professionals are not only concerned with just fixing your teeth, they also professionally clean your teeth, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, and check for abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed and could be signs of a bigger issue.  

Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal, but oral health issues can develop and progress quickly whether you notice it or not. By keeping on top of your dental cleanings and checkups, you are doing yourself a huge favor in the long run.

Is it time for your next dental check-up?

At Carrie Muzny DDS, our polite, kind and professional team are here to ensure you have a great dental experience. 

We offer a range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. From cleanings to fillings, to whitening and veneers, we provide everything you need to get the smile you deserve. We cover several insurance providers, provide a variety of services, and have experience in many areas of dentistry. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s show the world your brilliant smile.