When you walk down the dental care aisle of your local grocery, the number of toothpaste options can be quite overwhelming. There’s whitening toothpaste, natural ones, sensitive-care formulas, among many others. So, how do you know which one actually works best for your smile? And does the type of toothpaste really matter?
At Sierra Dental, our dental hygienists often remind patients that selecting your toothpaste is more than just the taste or texture. The right type of toothpaste should protect and strengthen your teeth while addressing your specific dental concerns.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of toothpaste, what makes each one unique, and how to pick the right one for your smile and oral health.
Types of Toothpaste
Every type of toothpaste serves a different purpose and our team at Sierra Dental often say that understanding these differences can make everyday brushing a lot more effective.
Here’s a quick look at the five most common toothpaste types and how each one can help with keeping your teeth healthy and strong while managing your individual needs:
Fluoride Toothpaste
Best for: Everyone, especially children and adults who are prone to cavities.
Think of fluoride toothpaste as your everyday hero for your dental health. It strengthens your tooth by protecting it against acid attacks from food and bacteria. This keeps the smile cavity-free and strong. Without fluoride, teeth can gradually lose minerals and become more prone to decay, something we want to avoid.
Because of the benefits of fluoride, our dental hygienists remind patients that no matter what features you are looking for in a toothpaste, fluoride should always be on the ingredient list. And if you are unsure what type of toothpaste to pick, a fluoride toothpaste is always the safest bet.
Whitening Toothpaste
Best for: Adults who want to brighten or maintain their smile between cleanings or whitening treatments
Dreaming of a whiter smile? A whitening toothpaste is a simple way for you to achieve just that! This type of toothpaste uses either mild abrasives to remove surface stains that make your teeth look dull or yellow or peroxide as an active ingredient to balance the yellow tones of the teeth for a whiter smile. These can also be used in combination for better results.
Our dentists at Sierra Dental remind patients that while whitening toothpastes work for a brighter smile, they are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments. Consult with our team for whitening results that meet your smile goals!
Sensitive Toothpaste
Best for: Patients with post-whitening sensitivity, receding gums, or enamel wear
Ever felt a sudden zing when you sip or eat something cold or hot? That’s your tooth enamel or gums telling you they need a little extra care. Sensitive toothpaste, also called desensitizing toothpaste, helps by calming the nerves inside the teeth and forming a protective layer over certain areas to prevent persistent discomfort.
Our dental hygienists share that using a toothpaste for sensitivity for 2-4 weeks is recommended to feel the full benefits. And if you’re still feeling discomfort, your dentist can check for other causes like severe gum recession or enamel wear and provide a more suitable treatment.
Natural Toothpaste
Best for: Patients who prefer eco-friendly, minimally processed products
If you prefer to keep things simple and more “clean”, natural toothpaste may be right up your alley. These toothpastes are formulated with fewer synthetic ingredients and may feature plant-based components like coconut oil, charcoal, or baking soda.
But here’s what our team wants to remind you: natural does not always mean better. The key is still protection from cavities, so go for natural toothpastes that contain fluoride. This ensures that you are avoiding artificial flavours while giving your teeth the care they deserve.
Children’s Toothpaste
Best for: Kids of all ages
Let’s be honest, kids don’t just need a toothpaste that cleans and protects, they need one that makes brushing fun. This will help them build healthy oral habits early on. Children’s toothpaste comes in different flavours, such as bubblegum or strawberry, or character designs that they can choose.
Our pediatric dentists share that the right amount of toothpaste depends on your child’s age. They should start using just a tiny smear as soon as their first tooth appears. While older kids who can spit properly benefit more with a pea-sized amount. The good thing is that children’s toothpastes also contain a small amount of fluoride for better cavity protection as they grow.
How to Choose the Right Toothpaste
With the many toothpastes available, it can be confusing to figure out what to pick. But we’re here to help! Here’s how to narrow it down to the one that meets your needs:
Know your specific smile goals and oral health concerns
Your toothpaste should match what your smile needs most. Take a few moments to understand your oral health priorities before picking your toothpaste. Because your toothpaste should work for you.
Whether it is a fluoride toothpaste if you are cavity-prone, a speciality toothpaste for whitening if you had teeth whitening done and want to maintain your bright smile, or a toothpaste for gum health to eliminate discomfort with hot or cold food, the right toothpaste can make your daily brushing more effective.
Consult your dentist
Your dentist knows your oral health best. So, if you are unsure, it is best to ask your dentist or hygienist for recommendations based on your dental history, current oral health, and goals. Your dental team can also check ingredient labels for you, ensuring you are getting something safe, effective, and suited for your smile.
Additional Toothpaste Tips for Oral Health
But even the best toothpaste won’t work its magic without the right brushing habits. Our dental hygienists at Sierra Dental remind patients that small details, like how long to brush and how much toothpaste to use, can make all the difference.
Two Minutes is Ideal
Proper brushing time is one of the easiest ways to make your toothpaste work harder for your smile. And if you are brushing for less than two minutes, you are probably not getting your toothpaste’s worth. Set a timer or play your favourite song for at least two minutes! This time will allow the fluoride to work on your smile and ensure you give every tooth enough attention.
Consistency is Key!
Brushing twice a day, morning and night, is the foundation of good oral hygiene. But if you’ve had a sugary meal in between, an extra brush in the afternoon can help your toothpaste. Being consistent with your brushing not only ensures that your toothpaste can work its magic on your smile, but also keeps your oral health in tiptop shape!
Spit, Don’t Rinse
If you are still rinsing your mouth after toothbrushing, you are not getting the most out of your toothpaste. Our dental hygienists share that rinsing immediately can wash away the fluoride left behind which is what should be protecting your teeth long after you have finished brushing. Instead of rinsing, just spit out the excess toothpaste to let fluoride stay in your mouth longer.
Use the Right Toothbrush for Your Toothpaste
Even the best toothpaste can only do so much if your toothbrush is not up to the task. At Sierra Dental, we always recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It works to clean your teeth without doing any damage to your enamel and gums. Also, make sure to replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the bristles start to fray. This will help your toothpaste of choice work in the best way for your smile.
Conclusion
The toothpaste you use every day plays a bigger role in your smile and oral health than you might think! From protecting your enamel to relief of tooth sensitivity, the right toothpaste can make your daily routine more effective.
If you are still unsure which toothpaste is best for you, our dental hygienists at Sierra Dental can help! During your next cleaning or check-up, they can guide you toward the right toothpaste and brushing habits based on your unique smile needs.
Schedule a visit today for personalized care and advice that can make a lasting difference in your smile!