Everyday people are bombarded with decisions: Where to eat? What to wear? What to order at the coffee place? The sad part is that one of the most important choices gets less that a fraction of a second’s thought… what toothpaste to get.
Many people buy the brand their mom used or whatever is on sale. With all of the toothpaste out there, making a choice may seem like a moot point but when it comes to toothpaste they are all designed for specific needs and have different purposes. All toothpaste are not created equal.
All the terms floating around like “whitening,” “For sensitive teeth,” “cavity fighting” makes a person feel like they have to choose just one of these for their smile. The main ingredient in toothpaste is some type of fluoride. With children’s toothpaste, the concentration of fluoride is usually lower than in paste designed for adults.
Any adult toothpaste with a level of 1,000 ppm or higher of fluoride is effective in cavity protection. A whitening toothpaste contains a mild abrasive which scrubs the discoloration from teeth. This is not the best choice for those who already have cavities as the abrasives can ultimately expand the area of the cavity. There is still some controversy about the long term effects of whitening toothpaste.
Those who smoke will often find their dentition taking on a darker hue than normal. The stains on a smokers teeth require a stronger abrasive for removal. The tar which deposits is thicker than coffee stains. Smoker’s toothpaste should be used with a cavity-fighting toothpaste.
While anti-plaque toothpaste removes plaque, it also reduces the damage done by existing plaque. There are several ingredients which are active in plaque reducing pastes. Most will use Zinc Citrate or Triclosan. Since plaque is responsible for forming cavities and is one of the reasons that teeth fade, it is a good general choice if you don’t have a purpose beyond a healthy mouth.
Weak enamel and the forming of cavities can both lead to teeth sensitivity. Teeth may be sensitive to heat, cold, and/or pressure. Since these issues have a root cause (pun intended) it is important to consult a dentist to determine or more work is needed.
Elderly people should consider a toothpaste designed to fight receding gums. If gums recede the patient can experience sensitivity and risk exposing the roots of their teeth to food and bacteria. There are toothpaste which are specially designed for almost any dental condition.
Triple action toothpaste is the trifecta, they whiten, fight cavities, and will aid in the freshening of breath. Still, when the focus of the patient is on just one of these, it is beneficial to use a specific toothpaste-type between regular brushings.
Always remember that once teeth are gone, they are gone forever. Proper care in every stage of life is the best way to ensure that teeth remain intact for a lifetime. It is much easier to prevent it than to try to fix the damage later. Before changing an existing dental care regimen be sure to consult with a dentist.
Copyright Dr.Jean-Jacques Edderai 2015 ©