If you have
been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.
Unlike the
old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too
many options! Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health,
desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time.
Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and
buy whatever is on sale!!
The fact is
– buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important
as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick
run-down.
Tartar control toothpaste: Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally
forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control
toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t
remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are
the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.
Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s
more of a personal preference.
Desensitizing toothpaste: These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small
tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If
you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally
sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be
patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.
Whitening pastes: The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains,
but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The
good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure
to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.
“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be
questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes
in preventing cavities.
Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price
doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter
of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the
bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several
categories!
So which brand should I use?
Most studies
are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that
contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And
if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better!!
In the end,
the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after
every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and
spend two minutes doing so.
The proper
technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you
at your next visit to Cosmetic Dentistry of Baicy Dental! If you have any more
questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at 804-288-8200. We are here to help you!
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that we are now on Facebook? Please “like” our page at www.facebook.com/BaicyDental for great dental
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