Toothpaste has certainly come a long way since its introduction in the 1800s. Once comprised of little more than chalk and soap, toothpaste is now capable of accomplishing everything from whitening the teeth to rebuilding their enamel. As such, choosing the right one can be incredibly confusing. As you stare at the colorful boxes and boldly written promises that are found on the toothpaste aisle, be sure to keep the following information in mind.
There Are No Known Benefits To Using Charcoal Toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste is currently on-trend. Whether it’s the novelty of brushing the teeth with a black-colored gel or the belief that this abrasive ingredient will actually whiten the teeth, countless consumers are using it. Sadly, however, not only do charcoal types of toothpaste fail to deliver on many of the promises they make, but they can also strip the teeth of their protective enamel, thereby leaving them more vulnerable to both staining and long-term sensitivity.
Over-The-Counter Toothpaste For Sensitivity May Be A Great Starting Point
If you suffer from mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter toothpaste may be able to provide relief. Despite their less than appealing taste, the surest way to get the greatest benefits from these products is by letting them fully absorb into the teeth rather than rinsing them out. For severe tooth sensitivity, however, it’s always best to consult with a dentist. You may need prescription-strength toothpaste, or you may have an underlying oral health issue.
Avoid Aloe Vera Toothpastes That Are Fluoride-Free
Aloe vera has a longstanding reputation for promoting rapid wound healing. When used in the mouth for daily cleansing, however, this ingredient has few to no proven benefits. Moreover, most types of aloe vera toothpaste lack fluoride, which is an essential ingredient for strengthening, fortifying, and protecting the teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste Can Provide Impressive Results Over The Long-Term
Many whitening kinds of toothpaste can indeed deliver on the promises that they make to brighten the smile and eliminate minor areas of discoloration. It’s important to note, however, that the whitening agents in these products aren’t generally strong enough to produce any rapid or truly remarkable results. Instead, these pastes and gels are best-suited to consumers who want to see gradual improvements in their tooth coloration over time. Ultimately, nothing trumps the effectiveness of a professionally rendered, in-office whitening treatment.
With all this in mind, try to choose a toothpaste that’s in line with your needs and oral health goals. Whitening, remineralizing toothpaste should contain fluoride and be absent of abrasive additions like charcoal that can undermine the health of the teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
You can always contact us at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics to get needs-specific recommendations for this incredibly important element of your daily oral hygiene. Schedule your appointment by calling our office at (775) 852-8181.
