The Complete Toothpaste Guide

Did you ever stop to wonder if you are using the proper toothpaste? The answer is important because effective brushing is a combination of good technique and the right products. Your products begin with toothpaste!

Don’t worry – this is less complicated than it sounds despite the many different toothpastes that are commercially available. If you want to take your brushing to the next level and prevent decay, keep reading for our top tips on which toothpastes to consider.

At Main Beach Dental we have found that the most effective product is likely to be one that you actually enjoy using, as you’re more likely to keep up on your brushing. So never discount the importance of toothpaste flavors and textures! To help you understand your toothpaste options, we have put together the following “toothpaste primer”.

General Toothpaste Guidelines

• Always use toothpaste with the ADA seal on its packaging – this shows that the toothpaste is both safe and effective
• Try different options to see what you like best – taste, consistency, amount of grit; all of these elements combine for the toothpaste that is just right for you.
• Use the right amount – just a pea-sized amount
• Brush every surface of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue!
• Brush long enough – at least 2 minutes, and twice a day
• Consult with Main Beach Dental to be certain that your toothbrushing technique is good!

Fantastic Fluoride

Our first toothpaste recommendation at Main Beach Dental is generally that our patients use a toothpaste containing safe levels of fluoride.

Fluoride supports tooth enamel in two ways – First when it is beginning to develop, and then once it is in place. As a person’s teeth are still beginning to emerge, fluoride helps develop the enamel into something hard that can resist cavities and decay.

After the teeth have taken their places in the jaw, fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwash and even tap water helps the enamel remain strong so that it can resist the acid produced by oral bacteria when you eat sugary foods. Fluoride also remineralises your teeth, which means it helps rebuild worn-down or weakened enamel before it disappears.

Whitening Toothpaste

For dramatic ‘whitening’, some toothpastes use abrasives to scrub even harder at stains. Be careful, as some whitening toothpastes are too abrasive and may cause tooth sensitivity. In addition, these toothpastes only remove external stains on teeth, and don’t actually change the color of the tooth itself.

If you really want whiter teeth, consider getting a professional whitening treatment from Main Beach Dental – Either our fast and effective in-office treatment or our super-convenient take-home treatments can dramatically alter the brightness of your smile!

Once that is completed, you can consider using a whitening toothpaste for maintenance.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

This type of toothpaste slows the buildup of tartar, which is plaque that has hardened along the gum lines. Although this type of toothpaste does slow the buildup, it can’t remove existing tartar and plaque. Only a professional cleaning can do that. Because the active ingredient in tartar control toothpastes has to be dissolved in a stronger detergent, people that have more sensitive mouths can be affected.

Tooth Sensitivity Toothpaste

If you experience tooth pain or discomfort, toothpaste for sensitive teeth might be ideal for helping relieve and lessen the sensitivity. These toothpastes contain less abrasive ingredients to cut down on sensitivity; sometimes they also contain topical analgesics.  But the key ingredient in sensitivity toothpastes acts as a physical block that remains on your teeth to fill the tubules that lead to the nerve endings that contribute to sensitivity.  These sensitivity toothpastes work best when used regularly.

Children and Toothpaste

Picking a toothpaste is an important part of getting children to brush and take care of their teeth. A child who does not brush is unlikely to have good dental health. The key difference between brands is the consistency of the paste, taste, and the level of fluoride content. Taste is particularly important. A child who likes the taste of their toothpaste is more likely to use it – experiment with this.
The most important element to take into account is the child’s age. Prior to age two, use fluoride-free baby toothpaste and a soft brush to clean the teeth twice daily. Between the ages of two and four, select a brand containing fluoride. Dental fluorosis is not a risk for kids over eight years of age, but if you have any concerns about the proper toothpaste for you children, come and discuss it with us at Main Beach Dental.

Dental Care at Main Beach Dental

At Main Beach Dental your oral health is important to us. We provide gentle, professional care for all conditions and work to prevent disease, decay, and too many dentist appointments in the future. And one step in that prevention program is choice of proper toothpaste!

Our commitment to our patients is brilliant looking teeth in a healthy mouth and body!

Main Beach Dental offers FREE Dental Consultation for Check-up.

Call your Main Beach dentist for information on (07) 5503 1177 or book your appointment online today!