Just like everyone has different oral health concerns and issues, every kind of toothpaste is unique in helping to treat various oral problems and issues. Toothpaste comes in either a paste or gel form and people tend to pick this merely based on a personal preference.
Generally, all toothpaste brands contain some sort of flavoring for taste and an abrasive agent like calcium carbonate to remove food, bacteria and stains from the surface of your teeth. Many toothpaste brands also contain fluoride, a natural mineral which has been proven powerful to protect teeth from tooth decay. Flouride even helps prevent damage from acidic foods we eat every day! But be careful, excessive amounts of fluoride can stain teeth which is why it is important to make sure kids use a children’s toothpaste. Children’s toothpaste contains significantly less fluoride. So besides the basics, what else can toothpastes target? Let’s find out.
Cavity-Fighting Toothpaste
All toothpaste brands can fight cavities because they remove plaque when used properly but some work better than others. As discussed earlier, look for a toothpaste that has fluoride which can protect the tooth from decay. In addition a toothpaste with fluoride is more effective in removing plaque than toothpastes without fluoride.
Whitening Toothpastes
A smile can speak a thousand words which is why people take pride in how their teeth look. Everyone wants a white smile. These toothpastes do not contain bleaches but contain abrasive agents which either polish the tooth or bind to stains and then remove them. This type of toothpaste does have the possibility of causing sensitivity have been shown to be no harder on tooth enamel than regular toothpaste.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Tartar starts out as plaque. Tartar is a coating on the surface of teeth that everyone has. If it isn’t removed with proper oral hygiene it then hardens into tartar. If it builds up too much it eventually can lead to gum disease. To prevent this, use a tartar control toothpaste. A tartar control toothpaste contains chemical compounds that break down plaque and make it easier to remove. Studies have shown that toothpaste brands with multiple compounds work better at tartar control than those with only one compound.
Sensitivity Toothpastes
Some people have sensitivity to foods or beverages that are extremely hot or cold. A sensitivity toothpaste tends to be less abrasive and contains either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride which helps block channels to nerves in the teeth. Since every person is different, it may take more or less time than others to see real results. You can typically see results anywhere from ten days to a month. Poughkeepsie Dentists also recommend pairing sensitivity toothpaste with a soft-bristled brush to help prevent damage. When teeth are damaged you run the risk of having more sensitivity.
If you have any problems listed above and the problem becomes chronic, do not rely on just an over the counter toothpaste to be the remedy. Chronic oral problems should be taken care of by your Fishkill dentist immediately.
