You know that using toothpaste when you brush twice a day is an important step when it comes to keeping up with your oral health. But what you may not know is that there is wide variety of different types of toothpaste out there. They all serve different functions so there is one for everyone. Read on to learn from your dentist about different toothpastes so you can choose one that’s right for you.
Fluoridated Toothpaste
This is the most common type of toothpaste out there and is likely what you have in your cabinet at home. In fact, it makes up over 90% of all toothpaste sales and is proven to fight against tooth decay and cavities. Because it contains fluoride, it not only strengthens the enamel of your teeth, but it also remineralizes teeth that have small amounts of decay already.
Herbal Toothpaste
If you aren’t a huge fan of chemicals in your toothpaste, you could look for a more natural option like herbal toothpaste. They work better for people who are more sensitive to additives because they don’t contain many of the active chemical ingredients that you would find in a normal toothpaste. Herbal toothpastes contain only natural ingredients, making them biodegradable. If you are going to choose this option, make sure that you are choosing one with a small amount of fluoride. If it is fluoride-free, it will not effectively protect against tooth decay.
Sensitivity Toothpaste
If you are one of the many people who suffer from tooth sensitivity, there is toothpaste out there that is made just for you. The active ingredient in sensitivity toothpaste blocks microscopic holes in the tooth that lead to nerve endings. Because it protects these nerves, you will feel less sensitivity to hot and cold. If it doesn’t work right away, don’t be discouraged. It may take up to four weeks for you to experience the benefits.
Whitening Toothpaste
Many different toothpastes on the market contain whitening ingredients that are intended for daily use. They aren’t nearly as powerful as tooth whitening treatments, but they can help remove surface stains. This type of toothpaste contains fluoride with an enzyme compound, so it can cause additional teeth sensitivity and is not usually ideal for someone who already has sensitive teeth.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Tartar results from plaque that was not removed from the teeth before it hardened. When it isn’t removed, it can cause issues like tooth and gum decay. Even though the only effective way to have tartar buildup on your teeth removed is to go in for a dental cleaning, you have probably seen tartar control toothpastes on the shelf at your local drug store. These contain chemical compounds that help prevent plaque buildup and solidification.
Smokers Toothpaste
This type of toothpaste is designed to help combat staining that occurs from frequent smoking. They contain stronger abrasives compared to regular fluoridated toothpaste which are effective in fighting dark stains caused by tobacco usage.
Children’s Toothpaste
Most of the time, children’s toothpaste contains less fluoride to reduce the risk of children ingesting too much. It also has fewer abrasives in order to prevent tooth sensitivity. Often times, children’s toothpaste comes in fun, tasty flavors for a more pleasant brushing experience.
Selecting a toothpaste that meets your needs is an important step when building an effective oral hygiene routine. Now that the different types of toothpaste are broken down, you can choose one that works best for you.
About the Practice
At Dental Partners of Newburyport, Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. E. Charles Beliveau, a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, are committed to treating patients with an individualized approach in order to meet each person’s unique needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (978) 465-5358.