Oral care is one of the most important parts of your overall health and wellbeing, and visiting your dental care professional regularly is a must for maintaining that bright, healthy smile. But maintaining that smile at home is even more vital since it’s what will take you from checkup to checkup, and avoid costly procedures such as fillings or root canals. To get the most from your at-home oral care, you’ll need to choose the right toothpaste. Let’s take a look at some of the primary options out there for you.
Essentially, your choice of toothpaste will come down to what you want out of it. Brand preference or flavors aside, here are the key things to look for when selecting your toothpaste.
- Tartar Control – Those who have major buildups of tartar will want to go with a tartar control toothpaste that includes various ingredients that fight tartar buildup before it develops into plaque. Plaque is much harder to get rid of so it is important to fight it before it develops
- Gum Health – Gum disease can be a serious problem as well, and certain toothpastes will work to reduce the spread of gingivitis and other similar gum related problems.
- Whitening – Most brands today offer whitening toothpastes. They not only clean the teeth, but contain bleaching agents like peroxide to help brighten that smile. Pay attention to ingredients and talk to your dentist to ensure you’re getting a whitening formula that isn’t harsh and will actually give you results. It’s also worth noting that this is not a recommended option for younger children.
- Sensitive Teeth – For those that experience pain when eating hot or cold foods, sensitive teeth formulas are important. They’ll often be less abrasive on teeth and will contain compounds like potassium nitrate, which work to reduce sensitivity by inhibiting the nerve pathways.
- Children’s Toothpaste – Finally, children’s formulas are designed to be gentler on the mouth and are available in various flavors to help promote better brushing habits. However, it’s important to choose a toothpaste that is safe to swallow and that your child will use. Your dentist can help you choose the right option here.
Once you understand the basic needs of your oral health, it’ll be easier to start choosing the right toothpaste for you. Fluoride is a common factor that people look at for their teeth, but most don’t know it’s already included in almost every type of toothpaste available. The factors listed above should be your first concern, as not all toothpastes are created equally. Once you identify what you need, you can compare fluoride levels and other features to find the right toothpaste for you.
