Choosing The Right Toothpaste

When it comes to picking out a new tube of toothpaste, the options are endless. There is no one toothpaste that is going to work best for every single person and every type of mouth, so its hard to know what is best to choose for you and your family. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you are overwhelmed in the toothpaste aisle.

Toothpaste For Children

Finding a safe toothpaste for your child is important. Many brands differentiate their “kids toothpaste” with a bubble gum or fruity flavor, but often times parents don’t realize that these still contain toxic ingredients that are bad for children. Fluoride can be dangerous for children if swallowed in large amounts, so it is recommended that you search for fluoride-free toothpaste for younger children.

ADA Approved

If a toothpaste has an ADA seal, that means it has been approved by the American Dental Association and is safe to use. This seal also means that the product has been tested and actually does what it says it does. For example, if a toothpaste is supposed to help reduce gum disease, there have been results that have proven this to be true.

If You Have Sensitive Teeth Or Gums

Sensitive teeth and gums can be caused by a variety of different factors, but no matter what the cause, it can make brushing quite painful. It is suggested that those with sensitive teeth and gums opt for toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to help lessen the pain.

Tartar Prevention

Some people struggle with tartar – the buildup of hardened bacterial plaque on the teeth. Once this tartar has formed, it is almost impossible to remove it just by brushing and flossing. There are certain toothpastes, however, that contain tartar-fighting elements to help prevent this plaque including zinc citrate and other pyrophosphates.
Courtesy of Prevention