Which Toothpaste Should I Use?
With so many different types of toothpaste now available, the choice can be quite confusing. Our Ipswich dentists look at the current options in today’s blog.
One of the most basic things that we have in our oral health ‘toolbox’ is a tube of toothpaste. This has long been the case and there is evidence of basic forms of toothpaste being used as far back as 5000BC by the ancient Egyptians. This is even before the toothbrush which probably explains why it was made up of things such as ground eggshells to provide some abrasive qualities.
For some people, the choice of modern toothpastes is often decided by their taste. Many are mint flavoured, while some children’s toothpastes have a more fruity flavour. Some have more challenging flavours too for those with more unusual tastebuds. While it is understandable that we choose one that we like the taste of, a more important factor is that we choose one that is right for us, and especially if there is a specific role it should fulfil. Let us take a look at some of the different types now available.
Fluoride toothpaste
This is the most common type of toothpaste that you will see in chemists and supermarkets. Fluoride has long been accepted by dentists as being essential for maintaining strong teeth enamel. This, in turn, greatly reduces the risk of tooth decay and root canal infections. There is a wide choice available and if you choose this type of toothpaste, and brush well, you won’t go far wrong.
Extra fluoride toothpaste
While there is a legal limit to the amount of fluoride that can be included in commercial toothpastes, dentists can prescribe some with a higher content if required. This is usually done as a preventative measure for patients at a higher risk of decay and other dental issues. These can only be obtained on prescription and are not available in the shops.
Fluoride free toothpaste
Occasionally, you might come across toothpastes that have no fluoride in them. This might occur abroad but most of you will notice them in health food shops etc. If you choose to use these, the reality is that your risk of having dental problems will almost certainly increase, leading to more fillings and possibly even root canal procedures.
Children’s toothpaste
If you have young children, it is best to use a toothpaste specifically formulated for them. Not only will this be better for our younger Foxhall Dental patients, but are often produced in flavours that children like, and which will help to encourage them to brush their teeth when they should.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
Now we move to more ‘speciality’ toothpastes and one of the most popular of these is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the tooth whitening ones. It is understandable that people want to have more attractive teeth, and what easier way to do it than when brushing them. This is a great theory, but the reality is something different. The fact is that, in order to whiten teeth during a professional tooth whitening procedure, our Ipswich cosmetic dentists use a type of bleaching agent.
Performed by a qualified local dentists in a professional environment, the amount that can be safely used can be reasonably high. Understandably, this is not the case when it is used by the general public in toothpaste. The end result of this is that the amount legally allowed in whitening toothpastes is very tiny compared to a teeth whitening treatment, and patients are very likely to be disappointed by the toothpaste’s outcome. If you really want to have the whiteness of your teeth improved, come and talk to us about the options available.
Gum disease toothpaste
Gum disease is a serious issue and can result in as much tooth loss as tooth decay. Gradually people are becoming more aware of this and one thing that they are doing to help with this is to use toothpastes aimed at its prevention. These use various methods to attack the plaque and tartar around the teeth and gum line and help to prevent gum disease from developing. You should still make sure to see the dental hygienist twice a year though and not rely on these alone.
Sensitivity toothpaste
If you have sensitive teeth, one way to reduce this is by using a sensitivity toothpaste. These work by blocking the tubules of the teeth or by acting as a mild painkiller. While these can certainly make for a more comfortable mouth, you should always check with a dentist if you notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive. This could indicate damage or decay to a tooth and this can often be treated early on quite successfully, depending on the cause.
Charcoal toothpaste
These have perhaps had their moment of popularity but some are still available. The aim is to provide an abrasive toothpaste to remove stains from your teeth. The trouble is that they can also cause some damage to the protective qualities of the tooth enamel. Generally we recommend that patients avoid these, but if you are considering using them, please talk to us first.
Natural/organic toothpaste
Many things are now marketed as ‘organic’ or ‘natural’, and there is a market for these. As mentioned earlier though, these may well also be fluoride free and we don’t recommend this. If they contain fluoride then if this is your preference, go right ahead.
We hope that this brief look at the toothpaste market will help our patients decide on the most appropriate toothpaste for them. Our hygienist is a good place to start if you really aren’t sure and they can examine your teeth and offer friendly advice about toothpaste and other related oral health matters. To make an appointment with one, or with a dentist, please call the Foxhall Dental Practice today on 01473 258396.