What Kind of Toothpaste Do I Need?

If you’ve ever had the not-so-enviable task of choosing a new brand of toothpaste, you know what a chore it can be. With so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which variety is best for everyone in your family, and which features you really need. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what the difference is between all those pastes, check out this guide for answers to everything you’ve ever wondered about toothpaste!

Tartar Control: Many people are confused by the difference between fluoride toothpastes and tartar control toothpastes, because shouldn’t all pastes contain fluoride and fight tartar? Thankfully, both types of pastes do both things to an extent, but what sets tartar control toothpastes aside is that they also have special additives that provide a little extra help keeping that pesky tartar at bay, like pyrophosphate and zinc citrate.

Sensitive: Sensitive toothpaste is for people who experience pain and sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods.  Sensitive toothpastes contain active ingredients like strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, which block the pain signals to the nerves of your teeth by plugging up the tiny pathways in your teeth that lead to these nerves.

Children’s Toothpaste: Children’s toothpaste often comes in fun flavors or colors to make brushing more exciting to kids. Children’s toothpastes may also contain less fluoride than adult pastes, so it is important to speak to your dentist about when to switch your children over to an adult paste. Also, be careful when selecting a children’s paste, as some varieties made for infants contain no fluoride at all, and may not offer adequate protection against cavities and decay in older children.

Whitening: Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that whiten or ‘bleach’ natural teeth as you blush. Active ingredients can include peroxide or mild abrasives that buff the stains off of your teeth as you brush.  Whitening paste is safe for everyday use, but due to its active ingredients, may be too strong for those with sensitive teeth. In recent years there have been many designer whitening pastes such as charcoal paste which claim to whiten naturally, but many come at a steep price and aren’t that effective.

Fluoride: For most people, a regular fluoride toothpaste is all they really need. Fluoride toothpaste contains fluoride, which has been found to harden the enamel of teeth and protect against plaque and acid. Not only that, but fluoride toothpaste leaves behind fluoride ions in your saliva after you brush, so your teeth keep getting protection long after you’re done brushing.

All Natural: All natural pastes often contain natural ingredients like sea salt, baking soda, and natural flavors. Though they have some interesting designer flavor combinations, natural toothpastes usually do not contain beneficial ingredients like fluoride, so while they may clean the teeth they offer no real protection against cavities and decay.

Prescription Toothpaste: Prescription toothpastes are only available through your pharmacy and with a prescription from your dentist. Prescription toothpastes are generally only prescribed if necessary, usually for people who have weak enamel or who are at elevated risk for tooth decay. It is also prescribed for patients who have had recent periodontal surgery, as it can help protect the exposed roots of your teeth as you brush. Prescription toothpastes have higher levels of fluoride than over the counter toothpastes, and come in a variety of flavors and brands.

Hopefully this answers your questions about which toothpaste is right for you, but if not, give Dr. Lederman’s office a call at 516-882-1764 and we’ll be happy to help you select the toothpaste that is best for your family.