What's the Dentist Recommended Toothpaste?
Toothpaste has changed significantly since it was first introduced in the late 1800s. Modern toothpaste is customized to meet you specific needs and comes in many different flavors. Selecting the right toothpaste for your family can be overwhelming. A good place to start is by having your dentist recommend a toothpaste based on your needs. Below are a few popular types of toothpaste.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Many dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste as it is known to strengthen and protect teeth against decay. Some adults can also benefit from a fluoride toothpaste if they are taking medications which cause a dry mouth. This can also be helpful for someone with a health condition which makes them susceptible to tooth decay.
Toothpaste for Young Children
There are even toothpaste products specifically designed for kids which can help make brushing teeth more fun. There are a variety of enticing flavors and bright, kid-friendly designs to help encourage children to enjoy the tooth brushing process. For young children two and under, it is best to use a toothpaste that is safe to swallow. This type of product will not contain fluoride, have a milder flavor and will not contain artificial colors or preservatives.
If fluoride toothpaste is recommended by your dentist for a young child, be sure they are using a safe amount. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests a rice-sized amount for kids three and under, and a pea-sized amount for kids aged 3-6 years old.
Tartar control
When bacterial plaque forms on your teeth over time, it will eventually harden into tartar. At this point, a professional cleaning is required to remove the build-up. Left untreated, this can lead to gum disease. Regular, thorough brushing and flossing can help prevent excess tartar. For those who experience quicker tartar buildup, your dentist may specifically recommend using a tartar control toothpaste.
Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth
For some people, eating ice cream or consuming hot beverages causes pain. Unfortunately, sensitive teeth don't always have an obvious cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, most sensitivity is caused by weakened enamel or results from an exposed tooth root. In these cases, your dentist may suggest you use desensitizing toothpaste until the issues is improved.
Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can offer pain relief. It is also available with added fluoride for protection against cavities or include teeth whitening ingredients.
Whitening and Fresh Breath Toothpastes
If a sparkling white smile is your top priority, there are toothpastes for that. Many products can help you maintain cleaner and brighter looking teeth. Be sure to talk to your dentist to select a toothpaste that will work best for your teeth. Some options include baking soda as an ingredient to help fight against stains. Others contain peroxide to assist in lightening the color of your teeth.
With such a variety of choices, it can be overwhelming to determine which toothpaste will work best for you and your family. To help make the right selection, work with your dentist to determine which toothpaste products best meet your needs.