The toothpaste aisle at the drugstore can be a highly overwhelming place. There are so many options to choose from- do you select a whitening paste? Or maybe cavity protection? With so many brands and types, deciding on which tube to buy can seem daunting. But rest assured, finding the perfect toothpaste is possible. Toothpastes cater to the needs of our diverse mouths, so there almost certainly is a toothpaste out there for everyone. Here are a few tips, from your Salinas Dentist, Dr. Mark Washburn, on choosing the best option for you:

Tartar Control

Tartar control toothpastes target dental plaque in order to prevent calcification. If plaque around the gums and surface of the teeth are a concern for you, tartar control toothpaste might be a good fit for you. While these toothpastes can help to prevent future tartar accumulation, they do not reduce tartar that has already formed, so it is important to see your dentist for regular Salinas Dental cleanings in order to remove tartar buildup.

Tartar control toothpastes sometimes contain ingredients that are known to cause some gum irritation. If you find that your toothpaste is causing discomfort in your gums as other alternatives might be available, consider contacting Dr. Washburn for some quick advice.

Enamel Protection

Your teeth’s enamel is constantly under attack by acidic food and bacteria. Many toothpastes claim to protect and even rebuild lost enamel. While toothpaste can help protect existing enamel, it cannot replace enamel that has already succumb to acid erosion. Enamel protection toothpaste can help strengthen enamel that otherwise might be weakened by acidic foods and drinks, including soda, fruit, and sports drinks.

Anti-plaque

Preventing plaque buildup is highly important for people who have periodontal disease. This type of toothpaste keeps bacteria from gaining access to the gums, thus reducing the risk of gum disease. People who have a history of gum disease might choose an anti-plaque toothpaste to regain gum health. Anti-plaque toothpaste is also recommended for people who wear dentures.

Sensitivity

Some toothpastes as specifically intended for people who are experiencing sensitivity in their teeth. Most of these toothpastes have ingredients, like potassium nitrate, that seal the connection between your teeth and the nerve endings. Sensitivity toothpastes usually take a week or two to become effective, so don’t be alarmed if results are not immediate.

Desensitizing toothpastes are not recommended for children. Furthermore, these toothpastes will not help pain caused by gum disease or tooth decay, so be sure to talk to your dentist if you have any unresolved issues not fixed by a change in toothpastes.

Whitening

Whitening toothpastes often promise to transform your teeth to be several shades lighter. The secret to most whitening pastes is baking soda, which works to combat surface stains and bad breath. Although whitening toothpastes are often advertised as having the ability to miraculously change the color and shine of your teeth, the American Dental Association has found that these toothpastes do little more than remove surface stains from teeth. If you are hoping for a dramatically whiter smile, you will likely find better results by consulting with Dr. Washburn about his professional whitening methods.

Users of whitening toothpaste should be advised that this paste is not intended for long-term use as it is abrasive and can harm tooth enamel. The baking soda in whitening toothpaste can also cause gum irritation, so if gum sensitivity is an issue for you, this might not be the ideal choice.

Fluoride

Regardless of what kind of toothpaste you are in the field for, check the tube´s label and make sure it contains a healthy dose of fluoride   Fluoride strengthens the enamel on teeth, making them less susceptible to acid erosion. Fluoride also assists in removing plaque from your mouth, which can keep you from experiencing the pain of tooth decay and gum disease. Fluoride is an important ingredient necessary for maintaining great oral health, so be sure you are using a fluoride paste.

Choosing a toothpaste should not be a huge stress- with so many options there is a toothpaste out there to fit every need. Before picking up your next tube, think about what the needs of your mouth are and select a toothpaste that addresses those specific needs. Check the list of toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association here to make sure your toothpaste is a safe solution for all of your dental concerns.

For help selecting the best toothpaste for your specific dental concerns or for help answering any other questions concerning your oral health, contact the office of Dr. Washburn today. Dr. Washburn has been a practicing Salinas Dentist for more than 30 years.