Shopping for dental care items, like toothpaste, can be pretty overwhelming. The wide range of options to choose from can make it difficult to know which one is best. Should you use a fluoride toothpaste? Can fluoride toothpaste damage your teeth? Which will help you achieve a healthier smile? Below, you will learn a bit about a few different types of toothpaste and what they are best used for.
Toothpaste with Fluoride
All toothpastes are effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth. But according to the American Dental Association, a fluoride toothpaste provides an extra benefit that other options don’t. Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen weakened enamel and help reduce the occurrence of decay and cavities. Even if the water in your area has fluoride in the water, using a fluoride toothpaste increases the concentration of this mineral on your teeth and doubles your protection.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
If cold foods or hot drinks cause you dental pain but you don’t have any cavities, you may have weakened or worn-down enamel. The pain is a result of these products having easy access to the dentin that lies beneath your enamel and connects to your dental nerve. While fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen it, a desensitizing toothpaste can help you manage dentin hypersensitivity. This product contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which are both known for Though it may take up to 4 weeks to provide full relief, this option can pain signals to your dental nerves, minimizing or eliminating tooth sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
For most, a beautiful smile includes white teeth. This is why cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have become so popular. But rather than investing in these treatments, many people opt to use over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste to brighten their smiles. Instead of using bleaching agents to whiten your teeth, they are typically comprised of abrasive chemicals or particles that are effective at pulling stains from the surfaces of your teeth or polishing them away. While coarse-grained products may seem to be cause for concern, studies show that they are no more harmful on your enamel than regular toothpastes.
Having a clearer understanding of what these items are used for will definitely be helpful in helping you decide how to choose toothpaste during your next trip down the dental care aisle. But regardless of whether you choose a natural toothpaste or one that whitens, it is important to always look for the ADA seal of approval. This stamp ensures the safety and effectiveness it in the reduction of tooth decay.
About the Practice
Drs. Christine Laster and Dalton Hunt are committed to providing every patient with top-quality dental care in a comfortable environment. Dr. Laster achieved her dental degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry with honors in 2000. She has transformed smiles as a volunteer and received additional training in pediatric dentistry at Duke University and Wake Country. Dr. Hunt completed her dental degree at the University of Louisville. She has advanced training in cosmetics and has an extensive background in sleep and pediatric dentistry. If you’re ready to achieve your healthiest smile, website visit the website or contact the office at (919) 787-0355 to schedule your appointment today!