Choosing a toothpaste for you and your family isn’t as easy as it used to be. With so many options to pick from, how do you know if you’re using the right toothpaste? From fluoride to tartar control, whitening to easing tooth sensitivity, the multitude of options is confusing. But don’t worry, Chapel Hill Dentist Dr. Bilal Saib wants to go back to the basics and explain what you should look for.
When choosing a toothpaste for you and your family, you should first narrow your search by looking for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA seal means that the product is safe and it does what it claims it will do. ADA approved toothpastes have undergone clinical studies by the association and the claims, whether it’s cavity fighting or tartar control, are backed by scientific findings.
Besides looking for the ADA’s approval, the most important component of a toothpaste is the ingredient fluoride. Fluoride has been proven to protect tooth enamel from decay and is crucial to maintain a healthy mouth. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%.
In addition to fluoride as a key ingredient to the best toothpastes, flavor is also important. While there are no real clinical benefits to certain flavors over others, it is important to like the flavor of your chosen toothpaste to encourage brushing twice a day.
Whether you choose a cavity fighting, tartar controlling spearmint toothpaste or opt for one that helps with sensitivity, using the right toothpaste is only part of maintaining a healthy mouth.
While using a fluoride infused toothpaste twice a day is a great at-home routine, it’s also very important to keep up with regularly scheduled professional dental cleanings and checkups. Chapel Hill Advanced Dentistry can help get your smile back to health and keep it that way. If you’re due for a checkup or dental cleaning, give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
