You walk into your favorite store...the choices of toothpaste are ENDLESS. What are some things to look for when buying toothpaste? Well, let's make it easy. Toothpaste is a key component of oral hygiene, and there are two important things to know about it.
In this post we are going to talk about the two components I look for when searching for a new toothpaste. But, I also think it is important to keep in mind that...just like your food...cleaner ingredients is best. Avoid dyes and other additives just like you would with your food.
Now, onto the good stuff.
Fluoride/Hydroxyapatite Content
One of the most important aspects of toothpaste is its ingredients. Be sure to check to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or a combination of both.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making your tooth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and acidic foods.
If you already have a cavity on a tooth (a small one), fluoride can even aid in remineralizing the tooth. This helps provide strength back to the area where the decay process started on the tooth.
When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride or newly released hydroxyapatite, as they* can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and promote overall oral health.
*Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is less studied than fluoride toothpaste but is showing promising results. More research is needed. But, it is slowly proving to be a great fluoride alternative.
Abrasiveness Level
Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that help remove food particles, stains, and dental plaque from the teeth. The level of abrasiveness varies among different toothpaste brands and types.
Typically on food labeling, the ingredients listed first are the most abundant in the product and the ingredients at the end are least abundant.
These are the most common abrasive additives found in toothpaste:
- Silica
- Hydrated Silicon Dioxide
- Hydrated Silica
- Calcium Carbonate
- Aluminum Silicate
This article (Click Here) discusses the above abrasive agents and their implication on tooth enamel. A lot of the ingredients listed above are the same / different forms of the same thing. Abrasives in toothpaste are either derived from chalk or silica.
While some abrasiveness is necessary for effective cleaning, toothpaste that is too abrasive can potentially damage tooth enamel or lead to tooth sensitivity, especially if used with aggressive brushing.
A particularly abrasive toothpaste that is quite trendy these days... is charcoal toothpaste.
Avoid this at all costs.
We often recommend using toothpaste with a low to moderate abrasiveness level, particularly if you have sensitive teeth or enamel concerns. Typically, toothpastes advertised for sensitive teeth will contain less abrasive particles. Whereas, toothpastes marketed as "whitening" toothpastes typically have a higher content of abrasive particles.
A Couple Other Things To Note
If you have further questions on toothpaste we can provide guidance on selecting a toothpaste that matches your specific oral health needs. Just drop us a line - either on our website homepage or through DM-ing us on Instagram: @YourDailyDoseOfDental.
It's important to note that there are various types of toothpaste available on the market, including ones formulated for specific needs such as sensitive teeth, whitening, or gum health.
Choosing the right toothpaste depends on your individual oral health requirements and preferences. Regular brushing, combined with a balanced diet and routine dental check-ups, are crucial for maintaining good oral health. As always reach out to Dr. Crofts and I - we would love to hear from you. We appreciate your interest in oral health and as always don't forget to floss - your future self will thank you.
