Picking a Toothpaste

Minty fresh, whitening, tartar control, etc. – picking a toothpaste can be as overwhelming as choosing a toothbrush.

First and foremost, your toothpaste should fight plaque and cavities and clean your teeth, using dentifrice (gel, paste or liquid). Toothpaste also should include fluoride for strengthening your teeth.

Beyond that, it’s all about preference.

First, consistency may be a factor in your decision. Gels and pastes are easier to use than liquids because they stay on your toothbrush better.

Second, taste may be important in your decision. For example, kid-friendly toothpaste (i.e., bubble gum flavored) may be preferred by your children over the spicier flavored adult toothpastes.

Third, what you select may depend on what you hope to achieve beyond cleaning your teeth. For example:

Sensitivity issues: If hot or cold food and drinks bother your teeth, you might prefer desensitizing toothpaste.

Tatar control: If your goal is to help reduce the buildup of tartar deposits, or calculus, on your teeth, choose a paste with pyrophosphates.

Whitening: For whiter teeth, choose toothpaste with sodium hexametaphosphate, which will help remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. 

As long as you are thoroughly brushing twice a day and getting your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by an ImmediaDent dentist, the toothpaste you select will be all about individual preference.