Tips for Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Your Family

Before the toothpaste was invented, people used all sorts of abrasives to clean their teeth, including some weird items, like crushed eggshells and burnt hooves of animals.

Oral hygiene is extremely important for maintaining those beautiful pearly whites and keeping your smile intact. To do this, you need to choose the right oral care products that help you maintain healthy, cavity-free teeth.

Most people buy oral products, such as toothpastes and toothbrushes without taking into consideration their requirements and family dental needs. Buying the right toothpaste should be based on individual needs. So, a person suffering from tooth sensitivity should choose special toothpastes for sensitive teeth rather than getting a whitening toothpaste.

With the overwhelming variety of toothpastes in the market, it is difficult to pick one which is perfect for you. The best toothpaste should be able to remove food particles and stains while also eliminating dental problems, like bad breath and plaque. This story provides you with simple tips for choosing the right toothpaste.

They contain abrasives, such as silicates that help in the removal of food and stains. Humectants, detergents, and thickeners are added to keep the texture of the toothpaste intact, while flavorings are added for better taste. Some other things that you need to lookout for include:

One of the most common ingredients in toothpastes, fluoride is a mineral that helps in preventing tooth decay and allows the removal of plaque. Tooth decay is caused by the acid in the mouth which attacks the outer layers of the teeth. It is a major health concern all over the world.

To avoid this, the American Dental Association recommends fluoridated toothpastes that prevent tooth decay and the occurrence of cavities. Fluoride also makes the tooth enamel stronger and helps in remineralizing of the parts that have suffered from decay due to acid damage.

You should ensure that the toothpaste that you choose for your family should be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

When an oral care product has the seal of approval, it means that the safety and effectiveness of the product have been evaluated by an independent review board of scientific experts. The claims made by the ADA-accepted products are true and tested. It is important to note that only fluoride-containing dentifrices (toothpastes) earn the ADA seal.

What are your family's and your dental needs? Do you need a toothpaste to control bad breath or do you want one for plaque control?

When choosing the right toothpaste, it is vital to consider your needs and those of your other family members. If a family member suffers from gingivitis and plaque, then it is best to get a toothpaste to suit that person's dental needs, while you may need a regular fluoridated toothpaste for yourself.

Do you experience a sharp pain when you consume something too hot or cold? This is known as sensitivity. People experiencing this problem have teeth and gums that are easily irritated by severe changes in temperature. There are special toothpastes that are meant for battling this problem.

Most of these toothpastes contain ingredients, such as strontium chloride and potassium nitrate. The ingredients block the passageways between the nerve of your teeth and the outside surface, thus, preventing teeth sensitivity.

Apart from sensitive teeth, yellow stains and discoloration are the other common dental problems. Whitening toothpastes that contain more abrasives help remove teeth stains. It is important to note that people with sensitive teeth or plaque should avoid too much whitening toothpastes as the abrasives can wear away weak portions and damage the teeth.

For people with a risk of gum disease, antibacterial toothpastes with antibiotic, such as triclosan, are a good option. Tartar control toothpastes with chemicals, such as pyrophosphates and zinc citrate, remove the stubborn tartar deposit on teeth and gums.

Pediatric oral hygiene is extremely important, and as a parent, you need to pick the right toothpaste for your child. For babies and toddlers who do not know how to spit out their toothpaste, it is important to get a fluoride-free toothpaste. Exposure or intake of too much fluoride in toothpastes can cause a condition called dental or enamel fluorosis.

It can cause white lines or flecking on the surface of the teeth. In extreme cases, it can lead to pitted or discolored teeth.

It is best to choose special fluoride-free or low-fluoride pediatric toothpastes without any artificial preservatives, SLS, saccharine, or dyes. Do not buy toothpastes with whitening agents for kids. Once the child learns to swish and spit out the toothpaste, you can choose a toothpaste with fluoride.

► Check the label, and read all the ingredients.
► Avoid highly sweetened toothpaste, which can contribute to tooth decay.
► If you are unsure, talk to your dentist about the oral hygiene products to use.
► Beware of fake or cheap toothpastes containing toxic ingredients, such as diethylene glycol.

The choice of the right toothpaste is also based on personal preference. Some people like a toothpaste because it tastes good, while others like the refreshing feel of another toothpaste. When buying the best toothpaste for your family, do not be overwhelmed by the variety of choices. Make sure you follow these simple tips to make the right decision for yourself and your family.