Did you ever stop to consider that you may not be using the best type of toothpaste for your teeth? Effective brushing is a combination of the right products, starting with toothpaste, and the right techniques.
Don’t worry – this is less complicated than it sounds. If you want to take your brushing to the next level and prevent decay, keep reading for our top tips on which toothpastes to consider.
At Simply Smiles Dental we have found that the most effective product is likely to be one that you actually enjoy using, as you’re more likely to keep up on your brushing. So never discount the importance of toothpaste flavors and textures! To help you understand your toothpaste options, we have put together the following guide to some of your toothpaste options.
The Importance of Fluoride!
Our number one recommendation is to use toothpaste with fluoride in it! Fluoride helps slows down the decomposition of the tooth’s enamel. The decomposition of the enamel is a direct result of negative effects of sugar and starch consumption. The bacteria in your mouth feed on these ingredients that you consume and as a result, it leaves acid waste on teeth.
An added benefit to toothpaste that has fluoride as an ingredient is that it can reverse early stages of enamel damage. Fluoride also makes the teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
Many ingredients within fluoride toothpaste aid and reduce tooth sensitivity. Some of these ingredients include potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. Both of these ingredients reduce the inflammation of the gum tissue and lowers the risk of developing gingivitis.
Whitening Toothpastes
Most manufacturers produce some type of whitening toothpaste. Most often, these products contain abrasive materials that gently scrub away surface stains. Others utilize peroxide to whiten the teeth.
A popular choice among individuals who are not comfortable with their smiles due to discolored teeth, whitening toothpaste can cause sensitivity and are considerably less effective than professional whitening treatments from Simply Smiles Dental.
Tartar Control
Tartar toothpaste is essential to keeping your teeth super healthy due to the fact it controls tartar buildup. Most people seek this type of toothpaste because they have plaque. Plaque is a colorless, sticky miscreant that forms on teeth after consumption or because of natural bacteria attachment. If a person doesn’t brush the plaque off the teeth, it will eventually lead to tartar buildup.
If you already have tartar, this toothpaste will not remove it, you will need to make an appointment with Simply Smiles for a complete cleaning. But after that, it may be just the toothpaste for you.
Sensitive Teeth
For those who need help in dealing with their sensitive teeth, there are toothpastes on the market designed to help with that problem, while simultaneously keeping teeth clean and healthy. These toothpastes take time to work, but can create a barrier between the sensitive nerves within your teeth, and hot or cold foods in your mouth.
If you have sensitive teeth you should also get a checkup from your Toorak dentist, so we can assure you that nothing serious is wrong with your teeth.
Toothpaste for Children
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste: For children under age 3, a tiny smear of toothpaste is enough, and older children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time they brush. In the past, dentists have recommended against fluoride in children’s toothpaste, but used properly it is now considered safe.
- Avoid harsh abrasives: While abrasives are helpful for removing plaque and stains, some toothpastes may contain harsher ingredients that may be harmful to children’s teeth by eroding young tooth enamel.
- Let your child choose the flavor:Toothpaste flavor can actually make a big difference in your child’s long-term oral hygiene routine. Allowing your child to pick a fun toothpaste that tastes good will encourage brushing and start the practice of good dental habits at an early age.
Other Options
While we have covered the most common toothpastes here, there are also other options for your brushing convenience, including “natural” toothpaste, plaque-controlling toothpaste, gingivitis-controlling toothpaste, and several others. Choosing a toothpaste that specifically fits your need is an important step to maintaining a healthy and bright smile.
At Simply Smiles Dental we want to help you to maintain a great oral health that will last a lifetime. Call us today and schedule a consultation, to make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape, including use of the proper toothpaste and brushing techniques!
Get a Full, Healthier Smile at Simply Smiles Dental in Toorak
At Simply Smiles Dental, we aim to give you the smile and dental health of your dreams.
Our office is in Toorak Village and serves patients from Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Southbank, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Malvern, Albert Park, Melbourne CBD, and other metro areas.
We are a Medibank and HCF Members Choice Dentist as well as an HCF Members Choice Dentist.
Contact us on (03) 9826 2220 or request an appointment online.
