Many people ask their dentists about toothpaste. What’s the best kind? What should I use for sensitive teeth? How much do I use? Does whitening toothpaste work? With all the questions about toothpaste, patients are often surprised to hear that choosing the best toothpaste may just come down to personal preference. The most important thing is that you keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist at least twice a year for preventive dental checkups. Keep reading to hear some advice that will help you understand what to look for when choosing a toothpaste that meets your unique needs.
What to Consider When Choosing a Toothpaste
The most important thing to look for when it comes to choosing a toothpaste is the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. That lets you know right away that the toothpaste will effectively clean your teeth and that it does not have any potentially damaging ingredients like sugar. You should also choose a toothpaste with a flavor you find appealing. If you don’t like the taste of the toothpaste, you are less likely to use the toothpaste consistently as directed. Otherwise, look for the following ingredients:
- Fluoride – this helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel
- Potassium nitrate – helps desensitize teeth
- Stannous fluoride and triclosan – reduces risk for gum disease
- Pyrophosphates, triclosan, and zinc citrate – reduces risk for tartar buildup
- Modified silica abrasives or enzymes and hydrogen or carbamide peroxide – offer teeth whitening benefits
Tips to Improve Tooth Brushing Technique
Whatever toothpaste you select, it’s important to make sure you’re properly brushing your teeth. Some tips to improve your oral hygiene routine include:
- Make sure you brush for at least two minutes at a time twice a day
- Brush systematically not randomly to avoid missing spots
- Use a small, pea sized, amount of toothpaste
- Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line to make sure you remove plaque around the gums
- Brush gently to avoid damaging soft tissue
- Use a soft or ultra soft bristled tooth brush
- Switch your toothbrush every three to four months
Meet Your Indy Dental Group Team
At Indy Dental Group in Carmel, we’re always happy to help our patients with any questions they have about oral health and hygiene. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to get answers to your dental health questions or schedule an appointment with our team. We’re always happy to help our patients with any of their oral health and hygiene needs. You can also check back with our blog regularly to find out more about the services we provide and the latest events in our office and the Carmel community.