WHAT TOOTHPASTE SHOULD YOU USE?

Why Are There So Many Types of Toothpaste?

The grocery store or pharmacy's oral care aisle is filled with a near-dizzying array of options. This can leave you wondering where to start or which toothpaste is the right choice. But options exist for a reason. Different types of toothpaste:

• Meet different dental health needs . Some patients have sensitive teeth, some have gum disease, and others want whitening. Different types of toothpaste products can meet individual needs and make it easier to improve overall oral health.
• Meet different preferences . Do you prefer a strong mint flavor? While this taste may appeal to you, it isn't favored by everyone. An assortment of options caters to individual preferences.
• Meet different price points . Some brands cost more than others. A variety of choices gives you options on different financial levels.
  

How can you make the best choice possible? Simplify the selection process by narrowing down your choices to the products that meet your needs. To better understand the specific toothpaste alternatives, read on for more information on your options.

Is Gel Better Than Paste?

Should you choose a gel product or a paste? While these two categories or oral care products may look very different, they also come with plenty of similarities. To choose between the two consider:

• The ingredients . Both gels and pastes can include fluoride, whiteners, and other similar ingredients. Decide what you want in a product and then move on to the other aspects of the gel or paste.
• The texture . Do you like the smooth texture of a gel? If not, you may want to go with a paste.
• The taste . The texture of the product can also influence the way you perceive the taste. Again, this comes down to personal preference.
  

If the gel versus paste decision doesn't help you to pick a product, you still have plenty of other options to investigate — and questions to ask.

Should the Toothpaste Include Fluoride?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Fluoride is a beneficial ingredient your teeth need. This naturally occurring mineral can help prevent tooth decay. This means it may reduce the risks associated with cavity development.

What do you need to know before you buy fluoridated toothpaste? When you choose a product:

• Read the label . The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates fluoridated dental products. The FDA requires manufacturers to label products containing fluoride and include it in the ingredients list.
• Talk to the dentist . The dental professional may recommend a specific product or provide directions on how/when to use a fluoride toothpaste for your individual needs.
• Check the age restrictions . According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under age two should only use a fluoride containing toothpaste under the direction of a dentist.
  

Along with toothpaste, you can also get fluoride from tap water. If you aren't sure whether your teeth get the right amount of this mineral or you have concerns about dental decay, talk to your dentist about additional in-office fluoride treatments.

What Other Oral Issues Do Toothpastes Tackle?

Dental decay isn't the only reason to use toothpaste. These products can also help you to maintain a healthy mouth and:

• Reduce gingivitis . Some products are specially formulated to reduce the risks of gum disease or prevent gingivitis.
• Decrease sensitivity . A desensitizing toothpaste can minimize the effects of hot, cold, and other oral irritants.
• Whiten teeth . While a toothpaste won't whiten to the same degree as a dentist's office procedure, it can lift surface stains.

The product you choose depends on your needs, your personal preferences, and input from the dental professional. If you have specific issues or problem areas, discuss these with the dentist at your nest visit.

Do you need a new dentist? Contact Desert Dental for more information.