Minneapolis Dentist | What kind of toothpaste should I use?

Everyone needs toothpaste to take care of their teeth. You just can't brush without it unless it's an unusual situation, and there's no way of getting any toothpaste. There are different kinds of toothpaste, each one specific to meet a certain need.

This implies that you have a special condition which requires buying something other than the usual over the counter, supermarket brands. To find out which kind of toothpaste is best for you, you should talk to your dentist. However, if this is not possible, then here is a brief guide to help you make your decision.

For Sensitive Teeth

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth are for those who teeth ache when you eat something cold or too hot. This toothpaste contains additional ingredients such as potassium nitrate which is a salt element that stops the nerve from being too sensitive by preventing the pain stimuli from traveling along the nerves. Another ingredient is strontium chloride which plugs holes or pores along the dentin layer to prevent to pain from reaching the nerves. In other words, this toothpaste aims to desensitize your teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste

This is a toothpaste supposedly to make dreams come true by promising a better and whiter smile. They can be very abrasive so watch out which brand you choose. If it destroys the enamel, then you have a bigger problem that a not-so-white smile. The tooth enamel is the part of the tooth that stains. Imagine a thin piece of paper and a stone. If the stone is rough on the paper, it will cut a hole through the paper, damaging it irreversibly. This is the same concept. Thus, you need to take extreme care about which whitening toothpaste to get. Talk to your dentist to find out your other options.

Children's Toothpaste

Children, especially toddlers, will want a sweet tasting toothpaste to make the entire brushing activity more appealing. You need to chose one that is not too sweet because they might swallow it. While children's toothpaste may be safe to swallow, it might start a habit. As such, use a small amount, the size of a pea, to teach your children to brush with this type of toothpaste. Transition slowly, and they won't notice the difference.

Supermarket Standard Toothpaste

Here's when it can get a little complicated. There are tartar control, fluoride enhance, total protection, anti-bacterial, and even all natural toothpastes. Ideally, you should get a toothpaste that has all of it - fluoride, tartar control and anti-bacterial. If there is one you can find that has it all, then that's the toothpaste you should get. Try the small size first to test it, before upgrading to the larger sizes.

A list of the ingredients you should look for in your toothpaste are:

Abrasives that are not too harsh to help you remove stains from food or drinks

Flavoring and Color - This just it taste and look better

Fluoride - to prevent tooth decay

Anti-bacterial agents and enzymes

For all-natural toothpastes, there are other ingredients you will be surprised to find such as ginger, oil, or seaweed extract.