The last time you decided to buy toothpaste, were you overwhelmed by how many different choices there were? But here’s the thing, there is only a handful of different types. Most of your choices are different variations of the same thing made by different companies. So, what do you really need in toothpaste when brushing your teeth? Depends on you and your teeth. Let’s talk about the best toothpaste, if there is such a thing.
The 5 Main Types of Toothpaste and What They Do
1. Fluoride or “Anti-Cavity” Toothpaste
Most toothpastes have fluoride in them, however, this type has extra fluoride added to help for added “cavity protection.” By adding sodium fluoride it can help improve the enamel layer of your teeth.
Some brands of Anti-Cavity toothpaste:
- Colgate Total Plauque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste
- Parodontax Clean Mint Daily Fluoride Toothpaste
- Sensodyne Toothpaste
- CloSYS Fluoride Toothpaste
How does fluoride help prevent cavities? It builds up minerals in tooth enamel. Therefore this prevents your teeth from getting tooth decay by helping the tooth enamel become more resistant to acids. In some cases, fluoride has been shown to reverse tooth decay. You can also choose to use mouthwashes with fluoride as an extra precaution to fight tooth decay.
2. Sensitive Toothpaste
Do your teeth or gums hurt, maybe from teeth grinding or clenching? Or are they sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks? Then sensitive toothpaste can help. This type of toothpaste contains Potassium nitrate which helps soothe nerve pain in teeth.
Some brands of Sensitive toothpaste:
- Sensodyne Full Protection Whitening Sensitive Toothpaste
- Arm & Hammer Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste
- Tom’s of Maine Natural Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste
- Colgate Sensitive Prevent & Repair Toothpaste
- Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum Whitening Toothpaste
Why your teeth are sensitive is a different subject. To learn more about what causes tooth sensitivity and what you can do about it (besides using toothpaste for sensitive teeth), read this.
3. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
This type of toothpaste usually contains more abrasives that help scrub the surface of your teeth. Use with caution, as it can cause sensitivity problems.
Some brands of teeth whitening toothpastes:
- Sensodyne Extra Whitening Sensitive Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
- Hismile v34 Color Corector Purple Teeth
- Colgate Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
If you are interested in teeth whitening, other than by using a whitening toothpaste, read this information about the teeth whitening service we offer. After that, call our office to make an appointment for this treatment.
4. Children’s Toothpaste
Toothpaste for kids usually has less fluoride and abrasives in it. As toddlers and young children are learning how to properly brush their teeth, they may swallow the toothpaste. This isn’t good for them so the toothpaste has lower levels of fluoride and abrasives in it. They should be using a pea size amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush, so it’s always best to monitor them while brushing.
Some brands of children’s toothpaste:
- Tom’s of Main Children’s Toothpaste
- Burt’s Bees for Kids Fluoride Toothpaste
- Colgate for Kids Toothpaste
- Crest Kids Sparkle Fun
- Hello Kid’s Fluoride Toothpaste
5. Herbal Toothpaste
There are many in this category of toothpaste. Most do not include any fluoride. Some do not include any abrasives. They are made with natural ingredients and flavored with natural essential oils. You can even make your own with baking soda, coconut oil, and mint essential oil (or whatever flavor you like).
Some brands of herbal toothpaste:
- Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint All-One Toothpaste
- David’s Premium Natural Toothpaste
- Jason Powersmile Anti-Cavity & Whitening Gel
- Burts Bees Purely White Toothpaste in Zen Peppermint
Is there really a best toothpaste?
We are not endorsing any specific kind of toothpaste, only sharing some of the options out there for you to pick from. Any toothpaste you use will help clean your teeth. In conclusion, the best cavity preventive is to gently brush your teeth after every meal with the toothpaste of your preference using a soft toothbrush (either manually or electric), and floss (string floss or a water flosser). If you can’t do that, then rinse your mouth with a mouth rinse or water. At the bare minimum, you need to brush at least once a day, preferably before you go to sleep.
If you have any questions about what our office recommends, please give us a call.
We are offering free teeth whitening special for all high school seniors and college grads through September.