Not all toothpastes are the same. There are many different brands that saturate the oral healthcare aisle at the store, but there are actually different kinds of toothpastes that help with various problems you may be having with your teeth and gums. So, with the variety of brands and advantages each product claims they have, how do you know which one is best for you and your family? Keep reading to find out why toothpaste may not be a one size fits all situation from your family dentist in Hiram.
What Kind of Toothpaste Should My Family Use?
Since each of you and your family member’s smiles are different, it makes sense that you each have different oral health needs as well. If you pick any toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, you’re already headed in the right direction. That being said, there are various products out there with special benefits for your family’s specific needs.
What Are the Different Types of Toothpaste?
Each toothpaste has a specific benefit it offers. A good step you can take towards better oral health is to recognize a problem you have, whether you’ve noticed it yourself or with your dentist, and then choose a toothpaste that helps with that issue. See some of the more popular specialized toothpastes below:
Tooth Sensitivity Toothpaste
Some toothpastes are abrasive, which can make your teeth more sensitive than they already are. Choose a toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate or less (look at the ingredients on the label) for a good toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Most brands will market themselves as a “sensitivity” toothpaste, so be on the lookout for those.
Gum Sensitivity Toothpaste
If you have gum sensitivity, look for products containing fluoride and potassium nitrate. These chemicals help protect and clean your gums to keep them healthy and cut down on that annoying sensitivity you may be feeling.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Plaque that isn’t removed from your teeth can turn into hard tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dentist. This causes decay and gum disease, so if you struggle with tartar buildup, you should find a toothpaste that minimizes the formation of tartar.
Look for toothpastes with sodium hexametaphosphate, which helps prevent tartar and stains above the gumline. However, if you already have tartar on your teeth, don’t expect your new toothpaste to remove it for you. That will still need to be taken care of by a pro.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are one of the most popular specialized toothpastes because around 80% of Americans want their teeth to be whiter. These products contain chemical and abrasive ingredients that help remove stains as well as prevent future discoloration that forms on your teeth. When used regularly, whitening toothpastes can give your smile an overall whiter appearance.
No matter what toothpaste you need, you should know it may not be the same kind as the one your children or significant other needs. Use the above information to pick the best toothpaste for your family!
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we have a team of 3 expert dentists that each bring different backgrounds and interests to the practice to create personalized care for their patients. They are happy to help with your oral healthcare routine, and recommend which toothpaste is right for you. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (770) 445-6606.
