Choosing the Right Toothpaste: A Guide from a Family Dentist

The oral healthcare aisle at your local grocery store may have dozens of different types of toothpastes. Some might have flashy packages and make grandiose claims about how they can whiten your teeth, fortify enamel, or give you amazingly fresh breath. Is all of that just hype? Does it really matter which toothpaste you and your family use? In fact, there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to toothpaste. For optimum oral health, each member of your clan might need different products to clean their teeth. A family dentist in Torrance is here to talk about how you can make sure that every person in your household gets what they need to maintain a fresh and healthy mouth.

Fluoride: Essential for Fighting Decay

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to fight tooth decay by remineralizing teeth. That is, it replaces tiny bits of enamel that get worn away throughout the day. Many toothpaste products contain fluoride, but not all of them have enough fluoride to be effective. To make sure your toothpaste has a safe (but not excessive) level of fluoride, choose a product that has the American Dental Association seal of approval.

It’s also worth noting that you must be cautious with the use of fluoride for very small children. Follow the recommendations of your children’s dentist for whether their toothpaste should contain any fluoride, and try to make sure that your little ones don’t swallow their toothpaste.

Toothpastes for Specific Oral Health Needs

Beyond making sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, choosing the right product requires that you carefully consider the unique oral health needs of everyone in your family.

• For individuals who have sensitive teeth and/or gums, a toothpaste with potassium nitrate may work well. Potassium nitrate helps to prevent the nerves in teeth from sending pain signals to the brain.
• To address cosmetic concerns, a whitening toothpaste that is designed to fight bad breath may work. However, keep in mind that the whitening power of such products is usually very limited.
• If anyone in your family is worried about gum disease, a toothpaste that is specifically designed to prevent tartar formation and fight bacteria may be the ideal choice.

Some toothpastes claim to be useful for all of the above purposes. One of these “umbrella” toothpastes may work for your entire family if no one has any special needs for their teeth and gums.

Ask Your Dentist for Advice

If you’re still confused about which toothpastes are right for you and the other members of your family, ask your dentist or a dental hygienist. They’re experts on oral health, and they would be happy to help you choose products that will help your family’s teeth stay strong and beautiful for many years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Peter Refela is an experienced dentist with special expertise in periodontics and dental implant surgery. He enjoys interacting with patients and is always happy to share advice on how they can maintain their oral health. To learn more about our practice or how we can help you protect your precious smile, contact us at 310-424-3100.