The Four Things You Should Look For In Toothpaste
Posted on: 11 August 2017
When it comes to brushing your teeth, not only is it important that you are doing it every morning and night, but it's also important that you are using the right tools to get the job done. One of these "tools" include toothpaste. You don't want to use just any toothpaste. Instead, you want to use the right kind that is not going to damage your teeth because there are plenty of toothpaste brands that are definitely not the best for the health of your smile. Here are four things you should be looking for:
- No Abrasive Additives: There are many types of toothpastes out there that have additives that are considered abrasive. This allows the toothbrush company to claim that their toothpaste can whiten teeth. However, what they don't state is that these additives also cause damage to the enamel of the tooth. These additives include alumina, silica, and calcium carbonate.
- Fluoride: Despite what you may have heard, it's actually very important that you purchase toothpaste with fluoride. The reason for this is that fluoride combats decay and cavities, thus delaying them before they become worse so that you have more time to see a dentist. Besides, cavities and decay can start at any time because of all the food and bacteria that gathers in your mouth during the day. You can prevent it from even happening by using toothpaste that has fluoride along with practicing other good oral health habits.
- Flavor: Don't make brushing your teeth a chore. One way you can do this is by buying toothpaste that doesn't have any flavor. Instead, buy a toothpaste that has a flavor enhancer that makes you feel cleaner and makes brushing your teeth a bit more enjoyable. You don't want to leave brushing your teeth with a bad taste in your mouth anyway.
- Specific Components That Suit Your Lifestyle: Finally, before picking any toothpaste, you want to choose one that is going to work for your lifestyle. For example, those who drink coffee or smoke should be using a toothpaste that has the highest amount of fluoride possible since coffee drinking and smoking causes decay and plaque to occur more rapidly. Also, if you are looking to whiten your teeth, you will want a toothpaste that is designed to combat stains on the teeth without using any harsh abrasive ingredients. You can talk to your dentist about what toothpastes are best for this.
When you consider these four things, you can be sure that you find a toothpaste that is best for you and helps keep your smile healthy and bright. Contact a dental office like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA for more information and assistance.
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