Choosing the Right Toothpaste: A Family Dentist’s Advice
As a family dentist who sees lots of families and kids, one of the most common questions we get asked on a daily basis is “Which is the best toothpaste for me and my family?”
Most of the time, our patient will refer to a recent advertisement they saw on TV which claims to be the next best thing since sliced bread. But the truth is, there really is no single “the best toothpaste” for that suits everyone.
Most types of toothpaste can be widely broken down into a few simple categories and they can all work well if used correctly*.
Children’s toothpaste
Imagine toothpaste made just for kids, perfect for non-spitters. There’s a myth about “milk teeth” benefits – not true. It’s milder, with just-right fluoride for tiny smiles. Best part? If swallowed, the fluoride won’t absorb, protecting against too much fluoride. Cool, right?
However, children’s toothpastes are also often flavoured, making it a little easier to convince your little one to brush their teeth!
We typically recommend sticking with children’s toothpaste until your little one is around 6 years old. Stick to a pea-sized dollop and make sure they learn to spit it out rather than swallow. Here’s a fun tip: turn tooth brushing into a playful activity to spark their interest from the get-go. Making it a game or adding a little song can transform it into a highlight of their day!
Whitening and/or tartar removal toothpaste
Whitening or tartar removal toothpaste functions in two ways. An active particle in the tartar control toothpaste captures loose substrates that contribute to tartar formation. For whitening, the toothpaste increases the size or amount of abrasives, which then remove more surface stains. Therefore, experts do not recommend this type of toothpaste for children, people with sensitive teeth, or those with “worn down” teeth.
Actually, these toothpaste types offer limited benefits. They don’t tackle the deeper stains on your teeth. So, if you’re aiming for a real change in your teeth’s color or look, considering teeth whitening treatment could be a smarter choice.
Best toothpaste for sensitive teeth
TV ads heavily promote these toothpastes for sensitive teeth, presenting them as the ultimate solution. However, they mainly target mild to moderate sensitivity. Typically, they act as an effective supplement. They also enhance other treatments, such as white fillings, effectively.
Alright, let’s break it down into two simple, snappy parts. Firstly, the active ingredient in these products acts like a charm, numbing the nerve endings. It’s just like taking a pill; the magic wears off a few days after you stop. Secondly, imagine giving those nerve endings a cozy blanket, protecting them from hot or cold shocks. This protection isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a lasting solution that’s fantastic for your teeth in the long haul.
Herbal/eco-friendly toothpaste
Herbal toothpaste often features essential oils, propolis, or charcoal. Many don’t include fluoride, crucial for dental health. Their long-term effects are still unclear. Without enough research, we’re hesitant to endorse them. It’s especially troubling when they lack fluoride, vital for preventing cavities. We recommend waiting for more research and sticking with proven ingredients like fluoride.
Toothpaste for High Decay risk patients
Every toothpaste claims to be the ultimate decay fighter, using words like ‘extreme’ and ‘complete.’ But, most don’t differ much in effectiveness. Yet, for those at high decay risk, specific toothpastes exist. Take Colgate’s Neutrofluor 5000, for instance. It’s not your usual shelf item; you need to ask a pharmacist or dentist for it. Packed with about 5x more fluoride, it aims to mend daily tooth damage, banking on the extra fluoride’s benefits.
If you are still uncertain as to what is the best toothpaste for your particular situation, please feel free to contact us via our website and we will do our best to answer any queries you may have.
At the end of the day, speaking to your dentist is your best option. They will be able to recommend you a brand and kind of toothpaste that is tailored to your individual oral health needs.
*This article is designed for reading by the general public and is not designed to be a scientific review.
