I think we all can agree the “Oral Health” aisle at Target can be a little bit overwhelming. It seems like there’s a new toothpaste every day! How do you know which is the right one for you? Let’s find out.
The first thing you should look for? The American Dental Association (ADA) stamp of approval. The ADA also has a list on their website, https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-shopping-list , of every product they have approved. The list can still be a bit daunting, so let’s break it down!
Most toothpastes contain fluoride, all of the ones on the ADA’s list do. Fluoride helps in slowing the breakdown of enamel, and increases the remineralization process. Basically, it helps prevent tooth decay. The Crest Tartar Protection Regular Paste is a great, simple fluoride toothpaste for every day. Crest is just one of the many brands the ADA supports. Others include: Burt’s Bee’s, Colgate, Tom’s, and many more. There are options for kid’s paste as well with several flavors, but it is always recommended they are supervised while brushing their own teeth. Make sure they are only putting a pea size amount of toothpaste on their tooth brush, to prevent swallowing too much.
Stop in the office and ask us about what toothpastes we carry! We have a few here; but a popular one with us is MI paste. We have it with or without fluoride, but either one provides excellent protection for your teeth and gums! We also have several flavors including tutti-frutti, mint, strawberry, and vanilla.
There are also toothpastes that pinpoint a particular concern such as: Sensitivity, whitening, and bad breath. A pretty popular toothpaste for sensitive teeth is Sensodyne. This toothpaste truly feels like it is protecting your teeth, keeping them white, and helps with sensitivity. There are several other brands that are supported by the ADA that help with sensitive teeth and gums. Try out a few and see what works best for you and your teeth!