Good day out there on the internet! Here at Bedford Dental Group, we try to look at things from the point of view of our patients, people who have a little more of a casual understanding of dentistry and maintaining great oral health. By doing this, we realize that there are many products on the market, some fantastic, and others not so great. Toothpastes, brushes, water picks: who has the time to sift through the endless consumer reports about these products that would necessitate making an educated decision?
Beyond coming into Bedford Dental Group for your bi-annual check-ups, the real question is: what can I do to promote great oral health on my own?
What sort of products can you invest in that will do the most legwork for your teeth and gums? It starts with toothpaste, the very foundation of your oral health, believe it or not. It doesn’t matter how awesome your new electric toothbrush is; if your toothpaste is lacking serious game, then chances are your smile might be, too.
It’s probably been hammered into your head to brush and floss at least twice a day. You’ve probably had fluoride treatments as a kid that you should really consider doing more of as an adult. All of this has been set up to instill a lifetime of oral health inside of you.
Once you’ve got your brushing and flossing habits, you start perfecting the finer points of your game, because when you’re baller at oral health, you still want to stay on top. So here are some pro tips on toothpaste that will do a lot for your oral health.
Of all the brands and types of toothpaste on the market today, Bedford Dental Group is here to give you the lowdown on which ones are the best for your teeth. We want you to be able to sort through all the noise when you’re in the oral care aisle of the grocery store.
Remember that these companies are trying to sell you something. The sooner you figure out what it is, the better. Many brands say “enhanced whitening” but don’t do any more for whitening your teeth than a normal toothpaste would. Look beyond the marketing strategy. Here is what’s actually important to know about basic types of toothpaste. That way, when a brand throws out these buzzwords, you know exactly what they’re talking about.
Tartar Control
Toothpastes that label themselves as tartar control do (big surprise) exactly what the name suggests: they help cut down tartar buildup on your teeth. This particular toothpaste helps remove plaque from your teeth. Tartar control toothpaste will attack plaque before it gets the chance to harden. But it does not prove as effective around the gumline. Consult with your dentist and find out how prone you are to tartar buildup. If so, a strong tartar control toothpaste is probably more up your alley.
Whitening
We bet that nine times out of ten if you see two tubes of toothpaste together and one of them says “whitening,” you’re going to reach for the toothpaste that claims to whiten your teeth. Because that’s what is most important, right? Wrong. Toothpaste can promise to make your teeth movie star white, but the problem is that toothpaste doesn’t have the concentration and chemical composition of strong whitening solutions, and toothpaste doesn’t stay on your teeth nearly long enough to have a pronounced effect. Some toothpastes that are stronger for whitening might contain harsh chemicals for your teeth, causing more damage than good. Consult with your dentist at Bedford Dental Group about more effective whitening solutions.
Sensitivity
Many toothpaste brands out there offer relief from the pain of brushing that comes along with having sensitive teeth. These are actually fantastic options for those who have to adjust their eating habits due to tooth sensitivity, influencing their ability to enjoy hot or cold foods. Sensitivity toothpastes are especially effective because they contain special chemicals that block your passageways that travel through your teeth to the nerves, which will cut down on pain. Make sure to always mention sensitivity issues to your dentist so they can do a thorough check. You’ll always want to make sure there are no underlying conditions that contribute to your tooth sensitivity.
Children’s Toothpaste
Why is it that your kid’s toothpaste always looks like the most fun? They have colorful containers with superheroes and princesses, sparkly presentations that catch the eyes. But the problem with some children’s toothpaste is that they’re too sweet and don’t have enough of the good stuff that cleans your pearly whites. Make sure that you keep in mind that the good children’s toothpastes are going to have the proper amount of fluoride for a child, but not necessarily for an adult. Make sure to take this into consideration. When choosing a toothpaste for your little one, if it’s their first toothpaste, start with some training wheels. Purchase a toothpaste that is less harmful when swallowed. We’ve all had that toothpaste eater in our households, right?
When it comes down to it, toothpaste is a personal and preferential choice. Go with the toothpaste that works for you and that you feel gives you the results you’re looking for. Make sure to check it off with us first, though. Bedford Dental Group can give you more information about our own personal favorites next time you come in the office. We look forward to seeing you here!
