Choosing the right type of toothpaste may not seem like rocket science. However, it is important to know what options exist and which ones are best for your individual needs.
For example, a person who has sensitive teeth would not want to use the same type of toothpaste that someone who wants to whiten their smile might use.
At Q1 Dental we want you to make the right choice of toothpaste, so this guide will cover which types are the best for different oral needs based on your dental condition and their contents.
During the initial stage of tooth decay, when minerals are lost from the surfaces of the tooth, and a cavity has not formed yet, an appropriate amount of fluoride can promote the remineralisation (enhance the saliva to replenish the lost minerals) of the tooth and repair early tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens teeth, and increases their resistance to acid attacks. Fluoride also inhibits the growth of dental plaque and reduces its acid-producing capability.
For all these reasons, at Q1 Dental we recommend that most patients use a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you have any questions about this, we’re happy to sit down and discuss them with you!
All toothpaste removes some stains. But for more dramatic results, whitening toothpastes use more abrasives to scrub even harder at those stains. Be careful, as some whitening toothpastes are too abrasive and may cause tooth sensitivity. In addition, these toothpastes only remove external stains on teeth, and don’t actually change the color of the tooth itself.
If you really want whiter teeth, consider getting a professional whitening treatment from Q1 Dental – Either our fast and effective in-office treatment or our super-convenient take-home treatments can dramatically alter the brightness of your smile!
Once that is completed, you can consider using a whitening toothpaste for maintenance.
A layer of bacteria-filled plaque forms on the teeth after eating. When plaque is not removed, it turns into hard tartar deposits and is hard to remove. Dentists can remove it with a professional cleaning. However, tartar buildup on the teeth can further damage the enamel and cause bad breath. When it builds up under the gums, it can lead to gum disease and gum-line cavities.
Products with zinc citrate or tetra-sodium pyrophosphate are designed to combat the buildup of tartar. People who have chronic bad breath may also have a large amount of oral bacteria. Toothpastes that also contain Triclosan are beneficial for this. Triclosan is an antibiotic designed to kill some types of oral bacteria. When choosing a paste for tartar control, experts recommend choosing one with multiple plaque-fighting agents.
If you experience sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may be your best option. These toothpastes are generally less abrasive than other formulas, and they usually contain either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. These chemical compounds aid in the reduction of sensitivity by blocking the passageways that travel through the teeth to the nerves.
However, if you do have sensitive teeth, you should also schedule a treatment with your Q1 Dental dentist to assure yourself that there are no other dental problems causing your teeth sensitivity.
As soon as you see teeth breaking through your child’s gum line, it’s time to start thinking about their oral health. It’s never too early to get your children in the habit of maintaining their oral health.
Most children’s toothpaste available on the market today are designed for children aged two and up. Some patients have questions about using fluoride with very young children, but we approach it on a case-by-case basis, so talk with us if you have concerns about that.
Getting them a toothpaste they like will increase the likelihood they’ll use it happily. This means you should let them choose a taste (sugar-free!) that they like, because that will make the brushing experience better for them.
The toothpastes we have discussed here are the most common/popular, but there are also other toothpastes for other concerns. Natural toothpastes do not contain the chemicals in traditional toothpastes, and there is a range of toothpastes for specific dental situations like braces or dentures.
At Q1 Dental, our knowledge of toothpaste is comprehensive, so if you have a particular situation needing a particular toothpaste, feel free to contact us and we can help you with recommendations!
At Q1 Dental our training and experience can improve your smile and dental health!
The Q1 Dental practice is conveniently located in St. Kilda Road Towers at No. 1 Queens Road in the heart of the St. Kilda Road business precinct. We are near public transport and mere minutes from the Melbourne CBD.
Call us on (03) 9078 1955 or book your appointment online today!