How to Choose the Right Toothpaste For You

For tips on how to choose the right toothbrush, visit Kami Hoss’s website.

Going to buy toothpaste these days can be a bit confusing; having to choose between paste and gel, not to mention anti-plaque paste, whitening paste, anti-gingivitis paste, anti-decay paste, and desensitizing paste — on top of choosing a brand — is enough to make your head spin. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a tube that’s right for you — make it easier by checking out these tips!

• Fluoride is important. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride toothpastes help to strengthen your teeth while also eliminating plaque. As a result, almost all toothpaste that’s sold in the U.S. contains fluoride. However, some do not, so be sure to double check.
• Make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. While all toothpastes require the approval of the FDA in terms of ingredients and product claims, they do not verify the safety or the efficacy of the product. The ADA conducts extensive tests to determine things like the fluoride content and how it will affect the tooth enamel. It doesn’t matter what brand you choose, just look for the ADA seal of approval.

• If you have sensitive teeth, avoid whitening pastes. The chemicals placed in the toothpaste to whiten your teeth are often very powerful and, while they’re safe to use, they may irritate sensitive teeth or worsen symptoms. If you have sensitive teeth but still want to whiten them, talk to your dentist about whitening alternatives.
• Avoid overly sweetened toothpastes. While there are many different flavors of toothpaste on the market — many of which are sweet — you only need to be wary of the ones that contain actual sugar. Sugar is what primarily contributes to tooth decay, so it’s counterproductive to brush with sugary pastes. Many toothpastes are flavored with artificial sweeteners which are a suitable replacement for sugar.
• Carefully read the label. Since some toothpastes are for adult use only or should only be used for a specific amount of time, before deciding upon a toothpaste, read the label to make sure that it’s safe for you to use. You should also check the ingredients to ensure that it’s not an overly sugared paste.

Keeping these tips in mind, finding the “right” toothpaste is up to you; it’s important that you find a flavor, a texture, and maybe even a brand that you enjoy using. The important thing, as always, is to keep brushing.