When shopping around for the perfect toothpaste it can be overwhelming. There are options for whitening, sensitivity, dry mouth, and a wall of colorful boxes screaming “Pick me!” How are you supposed to choose which is best for you and your kids with so many options?
Below we are going to give some advice on how to choose the right toothpaste, and answer some commonly asked questions along the way.
What does the “ADA seal of approval” mean?
When you are shopping for a new toothpaste you may notice some boxes have an “ADA seal of approval” written on the box. This means the American Dental Association has given its approval of that specific toothpaste which is not handed out easily. According to the ADA’s website
“The manufacturer must provide data from”:
- Clinical studies in humans
- Laboratory studies to determine the amount of available fluoride, the amount of fluoride released in one minute, and the amount of fluoride absorption in normal and weakened tooth enamel. These tests also are conducted in the ADA’s laboratory.
For more information from the ADA on toothpaste visit their website below
Does whitening toothpaste really work?
The answer is yes, however, if you are looking for quick results the answer is no. Whitening toothpaste will slightly lighten the appearance of your teeth by removing surface stains. It is a process and you won’t see the results in a fast manner. Only professional whitening can go deeper than the surface, and depending on the procedure you may see results after the first treatment. But, if you are simply looking for a touch up than whitening toothpaste will work just fine.
I have sensitive teeth, does over the counter toothpaste work as well as prescription?
If you have sensitive teeth you are not alone and fortunately there a couple of different options. There are over the counter sensitivity toothpastes you can purchase at an affordable cost that have been proven to work really well. However, if you are not seeing good results you can contact your dentist and they can offer a prescription strength toothpaste.
Can toothpaste restore my enamel?
There are many brands out there with the claim their product can restore your enamel. This is not completely true. The protective layer of your tooth called the enamel is similar to bone in that once it’s gone you can’t retrieve it. The goal after there is a loss of enamel is to strengthen what is left and this is where fluoridated toothpaste enters in the equation.
Visit with your dentist
No one knows your mouth better than you, but no one knows how to help you care for your teeth better than your dentist. He/she will be able to recommend the right type of toothpaste for you whether you have sensitivity issues, enamel defects, or problem areas where tartar builds up easily. Your dentist keeps up on new products and can tell you which ones work and which ones don’t.
Hopefully we have helped answer some questions you’ve had about the different types of toothpaste. Please call our office if you have any questions, we are happy to help!