How Do I Choose the Right Toothpaste?

When deciding which toothpaste to buy, make sure to keep in mind both the quality of the toothpaste and your own personal needs. There are so many different toothpaste brands and types on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is the right one for you.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Here is some of our advice to help you find the ideal toothpaste:

• Fluoride – make sure you choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that greatly reduces tooth decay, and it is the key ingredient in toothpaste which helps to protect your teeth and keep them healthy.
• ADA Seal of Acceptance – Make sure you buy a toothpaste with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. This means that the toothpaste has been independently tested, adheres to its label claims, and contains fluoride which helps to protect and strengthen the tooth enamel.
• Trusted Brands – When buying toothpaste, try to look for toothpastes from trusted, well-known brands rather than unknown brands. This can ensure that you don’t end up buying a product from an unknown manufacturer who could be fraudulent and have little concern for the health and well-being of the consumer in mind. Such products could contain harmful chemicals and ingredients. Some trusted, well-known brands to look for on the market include Colgate, Crest, Sensodyne, Arm & Hammer, etc.
• Avoid Cheap Toothpastes – We all like to look for cheaper products on the market, but when you are choosing products which have a direct impact on your health, it is better to think twice before going for the cheapest option. Any product which is consumed or absorbed some way into your body, including toothpastes, has a direct impact or your health. A cheaper product usually has lower quality, or is nearing the end of its shelf life and near its expiry date. Choose a toothpaste that is either average-priced or higher in price to help ensure the quality of the product you are buying. Any really cheap toothpastes can be questionable.
• Personal needs – Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, you may have certain personal needs that can be met with certain types of toothpastes. If you have sensitive teeth look for toothpastes labeled for this because they can help reduce pain. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth contain minerals that help to block the tiny tubules in your teeth that lead to the nerves, which sense pain. You may need to use this type of toothpaste for a duration of time before you notice an effect as it takes time for the mineral to accumulate. If your dentist says you have a lot of tartar, which is hard calcified deposits on the teeth that leads to tooth decay, then you may consider getting tartar-control toothpaste. Tartar-control toothpastes contain pyrophosphate, which helps to reduce tartar buildup.If you have teeth stains or discolored teeth, a whitening toothpaste may be the ideal toothpaste of choice for you. Whitening toothpastes contain mild chemicals which help to remove surface stains on your teeth, helping to make your teeth whiter. Toothpastes that contain baking soda also help with teeth whitening.