Am I Using the Right Toothpaste?
Taking a trip down the oral care aisle of any pharmacy or store can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different products to choose from, and, if you care about the health of your teeth and gums, then you want to make sure you pick the right formulas. When it comes to selecting toothpaste, there are a few considerations that can help you choose the right one to support your oral health journey.
How to Choose the Right Toothpaste for You (6 Tips)
1. Fluoride
Fluoride is, perhaps, the most important toothpaste ingredient. This mineral helps to remineralize tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
2. Tartar Control
Some toothpaste formulas are designed to help control tartar buildup (plaque and calculus that cause gum disease).
3. Whitening
Whitening toothpaste formulas are a great way to remove minor stains and discoloration for a brighter, whiter smile. These formulas are also good for maintaining professional whitening treatments. When shopping for whitening toothpaste formulas, however, we caution our patients to avoid formulas that contain charcoal. Since charcoal is highly abrasive, it can actually wear away and damage your tooth enamel.
4. Sensitivity
If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, toothpaste formulated for sensitivity can help. We can prescribe more powerful toothpaste for sensitivity that contains lots of fluoride. However, many over-the-counter options work well too.
5. Flavor
Of course, the flavor of your toothpaste is something you should consider when choosing. While it isn’t the first thing you should consider, if you pick a toothpaste formula and do not like its flavor, you won’t be as likely to brush regularly.
6. American Dental Association (ADA) Approval
Finally, when choosing toothpaste, always look for the ADA’s seal of approval.
At-Home Oral Care Recommendations and Education
At Cardinal Dental, we place a strong emphasis on wellness and preventative care for our patients, and an enormous part of maintaining optimal oral health is caring for your teeth at home in between your professional dental cleanings and examinations. We are always happy to provide our patients with personalized instruction for taking better care of their teeth at home in addition to personalized recommendations for the oral care and hygiene products that can best help you achieve optimal oral health.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Michels, we welcome you to contact our dental clinic in La Mesa today.
