Have you ever stood in the toothpaste aisle, overwhelmed by the staggering variety of flavours, colours, and formulations, and wondered just which one is going to be best for you and your family? Promoted as teeth whiteners and breath fresheners, sensitivity calmers and gum disease stoppers, it does seem these days it is hyped that there is a toothpaste for everything. What then should you consider when choosing a toothpaste?
First and foremost, regardless of your needs or preferences, be sure to consider only toothpaste that has earned the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal of approval. Toothpastes with this distinction have been evaluated for their safety and effectiveness by an independent review board of scientific experts, and they all contain safe amounts of fluoride, a mineral known to prevent tooth decay, while also being free of harmful chemicals. The CDA has consultants and staff scientists who review oral health products and their effectiveness to determine whether they meet CDA standards.
Choosing from within the toothpastes which have been awarded the CDA “Seal of Acceptance” usually boils down to your own personal preference. Do you have sensitive teeth? The Dentists at North Burnaby Dental Group recommend a sensitivity toothpaste as it’s without heavy abrasives and which contains a desensitizer of either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate may help you to enjoy hot and cold food and drink without unnecessary discomfort. Interested in beating tartar? Brands of toothpaste that advertise “tartar control” usually have the active ingredient pyrophosphate. While this will not actually remove tartar — this can only be done by your dental professional — studies have shown it will reduce tartar formation by up to 36 per cent. As well, a whitening toothpaste may be a good choice as it can slightly brighten teeth by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Whitening toothpaste can also be used after a bleaching treatment to help maintain results. For those who are uncomfortable brushing with chemicals, natural toothpastes may be an option. These contain all-natural ingredients but have varied results. Some natural toothpastes may not contain fluoride, so you should check the label before buying the product.
Aside from these distinctions, the flavour, colour and general appearance of your toothpaste are important only as they appeal to you. If there is a certain texture or taste which pleases you and your family members and makes you enjoy brushing, by all means, this is the toothpaste for you. The more enjoyable your brushing experience, the more likely you are to do it often, and the frequency with which you brush may benefit you more in the long run than the actual type of toothpaste that you choose.
If you’re still in doubt as to which toothpaste will perform best to meet your individual needs, please don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist at North Burnaby Dental Group, and they will be happy to help you by assessing your personal oral needs.
