The trip down the toothpaste aisle isn’t as simple as it used to be years ago. There used to be just a handful of choices – gel or paste – peppermint or spearmint. Nowadays, the same aisle is filled with a confusing lineup of different formulas. It can be a daunting task to find the right type of toothpaste for your particular needs or the needs of your family.
Toothpaste companies are showcasing their new formulas – some helpful for minor dental issues, while others only leave us with empty promises. Below we have put together a helpful guide to help make your next trip down the toothpaste aisle a little easier!
“Best” Enamel Building Toothpaste
Bacteria, as well as certain foods and beverages, contain acid – a huge enemy to our enamel. There are enamel repair toothpastes on the market that claim to protect against acid erosion by “building” enamel. However, this may not be true… let’s take a look at what enamel toothpastes really do.
Do Enamel Toothpastes Really Work?
Well, the real question is – can you rebuild enamel on teeth? Unfortunately, the truth is – no toothpaste cannot rebuild lost enamel. Enamel toothpaste can be effective in strengthening and protecting tooth enamel to a certain extent. However, it’s important to note that once enamel is damaged, it cannot be fully restored. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and serves as a protective barrier. It can become weakened or eroded over time due to factors such as acid erosion from certain foods and beverages, tooth decay, or aggressive brushing.
The good news – you can protect your teeth from the acid that eats away at the enamel – by using enamel-strengthening toothpaste. Enamel toothpastes typically contain ingredients like fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or other minerals that can help remineralize and strengthen weakened enamel. Fluoride is particularly effective in preventing tooth decay and remineralizing enamel by attracting minerals like calcium and phosphate, which helps to rebuild and strengthen the tooth structure.
If you are already using toothpaste that contains fluoride, you are more than likely preventing enamel loss. It’s also important to reduce the amount of acidic food and beverages you consume – stay away from too many sports drinks, sodas, and acidic fruit.
Types of Toothpaste and Their Uses
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is the primary ingredient that almost all oral health professionals agree is great for helping maintain a healthy, beautiful smile – at any age. Fluoride helps in removing plaque; the main cause of gum disease and tooth decay. You will also find that fluoride is great for strengthening tooth enamel. Most all ADA-Accepted toothpaste contains fluoride. (A list of all ADA-Accredited toothpaste can be found here)
Tartar Control Toothpastes
The main thing to know about tartar control formulas is that while they are effective at preventing tartar, they can’t reduce the tartar build-up that is already on your teeth. Professional teeth cleaning is the best way to remove existing tartar.
It is also important to note that some tartar control toothpaste has ingredients that can irritate your gums. If you have sensitive gums, you may have to weigh the discomfort you have while brushing your teeth with the benefits of the tartar control formula.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Toothpaste that helps with sensitivity has an ingredient in them that “block” the parts of your mouth that connect your teeth to underlying nerves. These kinds of toothpaste can be helpful for mild or moderate tooth sensitivity. Give the toothpaste a few weeks of use to notice the improvements.
Note: If your tooth pain is caused by gum disease or a cavity, this type of toothpaste will not be helpful.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
We are sorry to break it to you, but these types of toothpaste are over-hyped and most likely will disappoint you. If you are looking to just remove surface stains, teeth-whitening toothpaste may help, but as the American Dental Association has stated, no toothpaste has been proven to change the color of teeth.
To effectively lighten the color of your teeth, it is important for you to talk with your dentist. They can perform a professional, teeth whitening procedure in-office or even recommend a treatment you can use at home.
Have Questions?
We get it. Choosing the right toothpaste can be overwhelming. However, our team of professionals at Salling and Tate Dentistry are here to help! If you have concerns about the state of your enamel or need an overall checkup, contact Salling and Tate Dentistry in Wilmington, NC, to schedule an appointment today. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate dental professionals is committed to providing exceptional care. Our priority is effective communication, ensuring that we listen to your concerns and thoroughly explain your treatment options! To schedule your appointment, call 910-256-9040. We look forward to seeing you!