First of all, it is really important that you brush and floss regularly. If you are not brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day, and if you’re not flossing, the chances are: no toothpaste can help you. When you brush regularly and follow your dentist’s directives, a good toothpaste can make the whole experience better, as well as help with prevention of different problems like cavities, stained teeth or gum pain.
Dr. Ada Cooper, spokesperson for the American Dental Association says: “Choosing a brand can be tricky because there are just so many options!”
And we totally agree. However, here are some tips that can make it easier to make a choice.
Look for ADA seal of approval
If there is ADA seal on a toothpaste box, it means that American Dentist Association stands behind it: the product is tested, its ingredients are effective and it is legitimate. This should be the first thing to check and kind of a make it or break it point when it comes to a toothpaste.
Choosing the right toothpaste for your teeth
The next step is focusing on what you need. Do you have problems with yellow or stained teeth? Do you have problems with cavities? Are your gums sensitive? Do you maybe wear dentures?
Of course, there is also a flavor question – maybe you would like a strawberry or cinnamon flavor, or maybe you’re looking for spearmint? This has nothing to do with effectiveness, but it is a plus (if the toothpaste is ADA approved).
Yellow teeth – whitening toothpaste
The best toothpastes for a whiter smile are the one with modified silicone abrasives, while the ones with mild abrasives can also help, but they are not as effective. If you are not happy with the results within a month, try another one because the results should be visible within a month. And remember there are always dentist treatments that can help.
Sensitive gums or teeth – look for desensitizing ingredients
If you have pain when brushing, and the problems like root infections and cavities are ruled out, it can happen that you’re simply brushing too roughly. On the other hand, it can also happen that you have naturally sensitive gums or exposed roots. In this case, you should look for a toothpaste with strontium chloride, potassium nitrate or another desensitizing ingredient.
If you wear dentures…
Toothpastes that work for regular teeth will work good for dentures as well, so you can simply look for a toothpaste with ADA approval. On the other hand, effervescent solutions or tablets could can be more effective than brushing, so denture-cleansing products are always a good choice.
Good hygiene is the most important thing!
Remember that proper brush and floss are the key to a healthy smile. As long as you use ADA approved products and your teeth are not in need of special treatment, any toothpaste should definitely do the job. Simply choose the one you like the best!