Ever find yourself staring at various colorful boxes of toothpastes and getting confused about the various brand options available at the shop counter?

Well, here are some tips to help you make better-informed decisions about choosing the right toothpaste for you.

For better protection of your teeth, find a toothpaste with at least 1000 ppm fluoride. Finally, it does come down to how well you brush your teeth depending on the brushing method and the number of times you brush your teeth in a day. The correct brushing technique is given below-

Various toothpaste brands claim to offer various benefits and this can be confusing to anyone.  To simplify, here are some commonly asked questions regarding the right toothpaste to use.

Does whitening toothpaste really work?

Whitening toothpastes do work, although most do not have enough whitening ingredients to get noticeable results in the short term and may cause teeth sensitivity with long-term use. Also, if you have sensitive teeth it is recommended to avoid whitening toothpastes. It is therefore, advised to seek advise from your dentist regarding the best kind of whitening treatment for you.

Can over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth work as well as prescription toothpaste?

If you have sensitive teeth, you have a couple of options. There are over-the-counter toothpastes to manage sensitivity, although choosing the right one for you maybe a difficult task. In such cases, your dentist will be a more well informed person to prescribe the right toothpaste to help you combat teeth sensitivity.

Can a toothpaste actually restore enamel?

A lot of brands on the shelves claim their toothpaste can restore enamel. As long as it is a toothpaste containing fluoride, the toothpaste will help restore enamel that has not yet decayed.

Can a toothpaste help to restore gum health?

For patients who suffer from gum disease, toothpastes containing antibacterial ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride maybe recommended for short-or-long-term use by your dentist. If you are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums or swollen gums as seen in the picture given below, it is important to visit your dentist today.

Should I use a herbal toothpaste?

When using a herbal toothpaste, they do include more natural ingredients that maybe healthier  for your mouth. However, be mindful that typically these products do not contain fluoride and contain a high amount of abrasives which can harm your teeth and can therefore be inconsistent in its effectiveness. Do consult your dentist before using a herbal toothpaste.

Remember, along with using a good toothpaste, flossing is an essential part of your daily dental care routine. Be sure the toothpaste contains fluoride so that it will effectively remove plaque, the bacteria film that forms on your gums and teeth after you eat.

Dr. Prakash

Dr. Prakash

Dr. Prakash is a practicing dentist with more than 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry. A graduate of Government Dental College, Bangalore (1989), Dr. Prakash successfully completed fellowship at the Pierrie Fauchard Academy and Implantology course at MIAID, Germany.