How to Choose the Right Toothpaste

Posted by studiocitydental on April 27th, 2016

It is widely known that toothpastes remove stains and leave the mouth with a clean, fresh feeling. But these days toothpastes can do just more than clean your teeth. There are so many toothpastes on the market, it can be hard to pick the right one for you and your family.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a toothpaste. Do you want something that will help whiten your teeth? Are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold? Do you have receding gums or periodontal disease? Even something as simple as picking out a flavor can seem like a daunting task.

The dentists at Studio City Dental Center have compiled a list for us of different types of toothpastes, what they do, and what you should look for to help make your decision a little easier:

 Fluoride

 Fluoride is a key ingredient to help strengthen the enamel prevent tooth decay. Any brand of toothpaste that contains fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Approval is acceptable. It makes no difference if the toothpaste is a gel, paste or powder. It's simply a matter of personal preference.

Sensitive Teeth

 If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold there are several toothpastes available to help reduce sensitivity. With regular use, you can expect to see improvement in about 4-6 weeks. It's a simple solution that can help provide a better quality of life for those suffering from the discomfort that comes with having sensitive teeth.

Tartar Control

Tartar is a hard build up of calculus on your teeth and is a contributing cause to periodontal problems and gum recession. While the only way to remove tartar is with a thorough cleaning from your dentist, there are brands of toothpaste that advertise "tartar control.” Studies have shown that using tartar control toothpastes after a professional cleaning will help reduce tartar formation up to 36%.

Baking Soda

Many toothpastes now contain baking soda which is gentler on your teeth and gums than traditional toothpastes. Baking soda is an excellent choice for people with sensitive teeth and gum recession from periodontal disease or tooth erosion. There are even brands of baking soda toothpastes can perform double duty with added whitening or tartar control agents all-in-one.

Whitening

Bleaching teeth to make them lighter and whiter has become very popular in recent years. If you want a brighter smile, look for peroxide as the active ingredient. Whitening toothpastes contain special abrasives and chemicals that break down stains. But they are most effective after having your teeth professionally bleached at your dentist’s office to maintain your white teeth.

Dentures

If you wear partial or full dentures, you will know that they can stain and absorb odors. There are soaks, tablets, and pastes available over the counter. But you may want to consult with your dentist to recommend ADA-accepted denture cleaning products.

While toothpaste is vital to maintaining good oral hygiene, what is even more important is that you brush your teeth correctly! Correct brushing is what helps remove plaque from your teeth. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to overload your brush with toothpaste.

You only need to squeeze a pea-sized amount on the top of the bristles. Correct brushing will cause the small amount of paste to foam and cover all of your teeth. When you pair proper brushing techniques with the appropriate type of toothpaste for your teeth, you will have a winning combination!

To discuss brushing techniques and to discover which toothpaste is the right one for you, schedule a consultation with the dentists at Studio City Dental Center for more information.

About the Company:

Dr. Kouyoumdjian received his Doctoral of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California where he focused on esthetic dentistry. He has received several professional awards and regularly attends training sessions to stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic dentistry. Several other services are also available, including teeth whitening and general dentistry. The whole staff atStudio City Dental Centerstrives to make patients comfortable and have a pleasant experience.