Types of Toothpaste
There are no longer just a handful of brands in the toothpaste aisle. Now there are so many different kinds the choice can be daunting. How do you know which toothpaste to choose? And which toothpaste is better for your needs?
Toothpaste generally falls into one of about six categories. The most basic toothpaste you can buy is fluoride toothpaste. This is the standard type. You can also purchase non-fluoridated toothpaste. Other types are whitening toothpastes, herbal brands, sensitive formulas and brands known as 12-hour toothpastes.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps make teeth stronger. The acids in the foods we eat and beverages we drink work against our teeth. These acids cause cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride boosts the mineral content of the tooth and helps protect against these acids. In fact, if you don’t have a toothbrush available for some reason, dentists will recommend that you “brush” fluoride toothpaste onto your teeth with your finger, to give them that protection.
Fluoride toothpaste contains about a thousand parts per million. You might wonder why there’s not more fluoride in these pastes if it works so well. Too much fluoride won’t hurt your teeth, but it can stain them from the inside out in a way that tooth whitening can’t fix.
Non-Fluoride and Herbal Toothpaste
Non-fluoride toothpastes are recommended for small children who might swallow the toothpaste, or those who have well water with high fluoride levels. Excessive fluoride can cause tooth staining more easily in children who are still growing and have yet to get their permanent teeth. So for children under 2 years of age and some older toddlers, depending on the water source, non-fluoride toothpaste might be the best solution. As long as the teeth are thoroughly brushed and flossed, dental health can be maintained.
Herbal toothpaste often does not contain fluoride, but instead contains a variety of different herbs that the manufacturers claim do things like prevent tooth decay, promote fresher breath, and fight harmful bacteria in the mouth without using chemicals, artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can lighten the shade of your teeth by about one shade over several weeks. These toothpastes don’t contain bleach like whitening kits or your dentist’s treatment. Instead, they contain a mild abrasive which scrubs away surface stains and polishes the teeth. This type of toothpaste will probably make sensitive teeth even more sensitive and should be avoided. For a slightly brighter smile, this toothpaste can help, but for real teeth whitening you should see your dentist.
Sensitive Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains ingredients that help keep things like heat or cold from traveling to the pulp (nerve) in the center of the tooth and causing pain. These can offer relief to people with sensitive and painful teeth.
12-Hour Protection Toothpaste
These toothpastes offer 12-hour protection. They contain an ingredient in addition to fluoride called Triclosan that keeps new bacteria from being able to attach to teeth for about 12 hours after brushing. This toothpaste does offer the longest protection, and is an ideal toothpaste for almost anyone who doesn’t need non-fluoridated or sensitive care toothpaste.
