Choosing a Toothpaste (Part 1)

When it comes to choosing toothpaste, the decision isn’t always easy. Most stores carry several different brands and types of toothpastes, and to the average consumer these choices can be overwhelming. Many grocery shoppers elect to choose one at random or simply the cheapest choice. However, there are many reasons why picking the proper toothpaste is important. Here are some of our tips to make choosing the right toothpaste easier:

• Look For Fluoride — The number one key ingredient to having a good toothpaste, is to make sure that it contains fluoride. Most people have had fluoride treatment at their dentist before and probably know that fluoride has been proven to reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Typical fluoride levels will fall between 0.1 and 0.6 percent in comparison to other ingredients.
• Choose an ADA Approved Toothpaste — The American Dental Association is one of the best resources to help you and your family find effective products in the treatment of your oral health. When purchasing a toothpaste, opt for a brand that has the ADA seal of approval as these are brands approved by dentists that have been proven to effectively remove plaque and enhance dental health.
• Consider “Specialty” Toothpastes If Necessary — One of the more confusing aspects of selecting a toothpaste for your family is the plethora of different of different variants within brands. A company such as Crest might offer one toothpaste for “Whitening” and another for “Tartar Control.” In these cases, you should decide your family’s dental goals when it comes to oral health or speak with your dentist for recommendations. For more information on the differences between these specialty toothpastes see our forthcoming blog.

As always, if you have any questions regarding toothpastes or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. D’Alfonso, don’t hesitate to contact the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today.