Toothpaste: just about everyone buys it, and many of us tend to be brand-loyal. Maybe it’s the same kind we’ve been using since childhood or something that caught our eye in an ad more recently. The range of options these days can be overwhelming, and the number of specialized products seems to have exploded. Touting everything from whitening to gum health, it seems like there’s a special toothpaste for just about everything. But are they worth the extra money? Here are a few guidelines to help you choose.
What every dentist really wants is for patients to brush thoroughly and regularly with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is the most important ingredient in any toothpaste. It helps build stronger teeth and prevents cavities, always our primary goal in daily oral hygiene.
Look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance when choosing a toothpaste. This means the product has been vetted by the ADA and determined to be safe and effective. All ADA-accepted toothpaste contains fluoride. Most kinds of toothpaste also include inactive ingredients like mild abrasives, flavoring agents (including sugar-free sweeteners), thickening agents and detergents, according to the ADA.
There are special kinds of toothpaste for just about any dental problem or concern. These tend to be a little (or a lot) pricier than your standard tube. But are they really any different? Specialty toothpastes contain extra active ingredients to target specific issues. In many cases, they can help patients achieve their goals. Talk with your dentist about which specialty products are most effective. Here are some of the most common types:
Specialty toothpastes do offer different active ingredients, so it’s often worth paying a little more if you have a specific issue you’re looking to tackle. For example, some of the pricier whitening products include specially formulated silica compounds designed to remove stains. There’s usually a wide range of prices within each category, so most patients can find something that works for them, within their budget. Talk with your dentist about recommendations for meeting your needs.
For sensitivity issues, we tend to steer patients toward trusted ADA-accepted brands like Colgate Sensitive and Sensodyne. If you have questions about a specific product, ask your dentist.
You can spend anywhere from $5 to $30 more for a whitening toothpaste. One plus is that ADA-approved whitening toothpastes, including Colgate Optic White and Tom’s of Maine Simply White, tend to be on the lower end of the cost scale.
We’ve had some questions about the trend in charcoal toothpastes, which use activated charcoal as a whitening agent. The verdict is still out on the effectiveness of these products. But keep in mind: they are not ADA-accepted and many don’t contain fluoride.
We’re happy to talk with you about finding a toothpaste that meets your needs, including specialty toothpastes for whitening, sensitivity and gum health. But for most patients, finding an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste is all it takes. Try to pick one you like that doesn’t make brushing your teeth a chore. And remember, whatever brand or specialty you choose, there are several other essential components to white teeth and overall oral health:
Let’s talk toothpaste and how to get the most out of your favorite at your next visit.
