Choosing toothpaste should be easy, right? All you need to do is walk down the aisle of the store, grab a tube, and toss it into the cart. However, it never seems to actually be that simple. There are all sorts of toothpastes out there advertising that they will whiten your teeth, that they offer extra fluoride protection, or that they will combat tooth sensitivity. Which one should you choose in order to take the best care of your smile?

To be perfectly honest, most toothpastes have similar ingredients in them to control plaque buildup, tartar, and prevent gum disease. They also tend to include a chemical called “triclosan,” which has been shown to offer a clinical improvement in gum health. In the end, the specific type of toothpaste you choose is up to you. Many people choose their toothpastes based on flavor alone! However, we have listed the following types to help guide you as you make your choice.

Smoker’s Toothpaste

Those who smoke typically have a harder time keeping their teeth clean of stains, which is why some brands offer toothpaste specifically for smokers. These toothpastes usually contain stronger abrasives to remove the stains. However, keep in mind that vigorous or excessive brushing with these toothpastes may damage your enamel over time. If you would like to know if a smoker’s toothpaste would help your oral health, schedule a dentist appointment and allow a professional to assess what your teeth need.

Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste

As you age, your gum margins have a tendency to recede. This exposes the root surface of some of your teeth, which can often lead to intense sensitivity and pain when trying to eat or drink anything overly cold or hot. Toothpaste that is made to combat this can work well in relieving the pain. If you struggle with sensitive teeth, this may be a good choice for you.

Whitening Toothpaste

These toothpastes are targeted towards those who wish to have a whiter smile without the use of cosmetic dentistry (which, of course, is always available). This toothpaste has become more popular since more people are retaining their natural teeth as they age. As you age, the enamel on your teeth slowly disappears, meaning that your teeth are much more likely to stain.

Of course, these toothpastes are unlikely to give you the same whitening results you would see by visiting a dentist. There are legal restrictions on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide that is allowed in over the counter whitening products. If you would like to truly lighten your teeth, and do so without much waiting time, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our dentist.

Natural Toothpaste

A recent trend of all natural toothpastes has emerged! These toothpastes are usually made from herbal extracts and other natural ingredients that may include propolis, seaweed extract, and ginger. The health claims that many of these toothpastes boast have not been clinically proven, so always check to see that your natural toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride has been proven to help prevent tooth decay.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment

If you are looking for a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile, then it’s time to schedule a dentist appointment. We do everything we can to help you protect your teeth. If you are unsure which toothpaste is best for you, even after reading this blog post, then please come in and see the professionals at Kruckman Family Dentistry. We want to help you choose a toothpaste that will meet your needs, as well as keep your teeth and gums strong. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for you and your family.