Fresh breath sets the tone for every moment of your day: first thing in the morning, before an important meeting, after working out, or just before bed.
Whether you prefer cool mint, invigorating cinnamon, or a fresh fruit taste, it’s your toothpaste that delivers that fresh clean feeling and is your first line of defense against poor dental health.
So, what’s the scoop on toothpaste? What is essential to know in order to get the most out of it? BDF Dental gives you the full story on toothpaste to empower you to take oral health into your own hands … or your own toothbrush, rather.
Fluoride Toothpaste
The single most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. which helps prevents decay by strengthening your tooth enamel. Though most types of toothpaste contain some amount of fluoride, some people having a history of cavities usually require an additional amount to protect their teeth in a proper way. Fluoride helps prevent early cavities from growing and strengthens teeth to endure acid erosion.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are popular for people who frequently drink coffee, tea, wine and other staining liquids. Whitening toothpaste normally contains substances that are gently abrasive and bind to stains. The combination of these qualities helps the substance stick to stains on the teeth and lift them away without causing harm to the enamel.
Unfortunately, these whitening toothpastes can also cause irritations and inflammation of the gums and eventually leave to receding gums and eventual recession of the tissue. Because of this, and because BDF Dental offers in-office and at-home whitening treatments that are much quicker and more effective, we generally recommend that patients stick with a professional teeth whitening or bleaching system to give their teeth more shine.
Anti-Plaque Toothpaste
Anti-plaque toothpaste can be very useful in certain situations. This toothpaste inhibits the build-up of plaque and reduces the effect of bacterial toxins on the tissue surrounding the tooth, which may reduce your chance of getting gum disease in the future. Some brands of toothpaste contain different active ingredients. For example, one brand contains Triclosan, one contains Zinc and one contains Citrate etc.
Children’s Toothpastes
Recently we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of toothpaste types and brands made specifically for children. There are so many choices that it can be difficult to find one that is best for your child’s oral health. Here are a few quick guidelines to make sure you find one that’s right:
1) Look for the ADA seal. Enough said!
2) Avoid harsh abrasives that can damage young tooth enamel.
3) Check for fluoride. But remember to have children spit out toothpaste and avoid swallowing it. Too much fluoride can cause a condition known as fluorosis. For children too young to spit out toothpaste, you may consider using a fluoride free toothpaste or only a small “pea size” amount.
4) Consider the flavor. Make sure that a toothpaste doesn’t taste bad to your child. Many children often find traditional flavors like mint to be “spicy” and they often prefer the more kid friendly options available today. The more they like the taste of their toothpaste, the more likely they will be to use it.
Sensitive Teeth
Do you have hot or cold sensitivity? Toothpastes for people with dental sensitivity can help. They build physical blocks between the nerves of your teeth, and the hot and cold foods and drinks that make them sting!
First, of course, visit BDF Dental to rule out problems such as a cavities or other dental problem that might lead to a root canal or tooth loss. Once we know there isn’t a dental problem starting, a desensitizing toothpaste is your best option. Look for a toothpaste that has desensitizing ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.
Come and See us at BDF Dental
Whatever your dental condition, your Beaudesert dentist is here to help you with toothpaste, toothbrushes, treatments, and cosmetic improvements! Give us a call and take that first step towards better dental health!
We will examine you to ensure that you are not suffering from tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. If you are, we will address those issues. Then, after we have helped you achieve your optimum level of dental health, we will talk with you about your ongoing dental health and which toothpaste is most likely to help you keep it!
New Patients Special Offers
- NO GAP for Exam, Clean and Scale (with any health insurance) for under 17
Contact us on (07) 3351 3366 or book your appointment online today.