Walk into the dental care aisle of any drugstore and you will be confronted with many options. There are so many different types of mouthwash, flossing, and especially toothpaste that it’s almost impossible to decide which one to use.
So how can you know which toothpaste is best for you? There are several factors to consider, including flavor, price, and how sensitive you may be to the ingredients.
Choosing a Toothpaste
Toothpaste is about 50 percent mild abrasives that allow the bristles of your toothbrush to gently remove food particles, stains, and plaque from the surface of your tooth enamel. These can include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphates, calcium carbonate, silica, and hydroxyapatite.
Most toothpaste brands contain about 20 to 40 percent water, as well as fluoride, which helps prevent the formation of cavities. Flavorings, colors, and other additives make up most of the differences between toothpastes.
Everybody’s tastes are different. By trying different types, you can find the one you like best. The more you like your brand of toothpaste, the more likely you will be to use it regularly.
You want to avoid any toothpaste that causes an allergic reaction. If your mouth feels numb or tingly or if you have difficulty breathing after using a new brand of toothpaste, it may be an allergic reaction and you should seek medical help immediately. There are kinds of toothpaste specifically designed for people with allergies or sensitive teeth or gums.
Bella Smile
At Bella Smile, we sometimes send patients home with samples of different types of toothpaste so they can try them out, along with new brushes, floss, and other dental care products.
If you enjoy the sample, you may want to switch to that brand. But because there are so many different brands, it’s up to you to decide which one you like best.