Whether it’s one that fights sensitivity or one that whitens while it works to fight cavities, different toothpastes are appropriate for different people. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which is right for your specific needs? The team at my Kettering dental office can help.
Is it Approved by the ADA?
Toothpastes make a lot of claims — to whiten brighter and faster, to ease sensitivity, to protect teeth better — but no matter the claim, if it doesn’t have the seal of approval by the American Dental Association (ADA), it may not work as advertised. Those toothpastes that earn the seal have been tested and their claims were supported as valid.
Looking to Whiten?
Everybody wants a bright, white smile. But daily habits, food, and drinks can all take a toll on teeth, causing them to become discolored. There are a variety of whitening toothpastes available that can remove stains and brighten a grin. Make sure you use one that has a mild abrasive that contains magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate. If the toothpaste isn’t giving you the level of white you’re looking for, consider veneers or a professional whitening.
Want to Decrease Sensitivity?
Having sensitive teeth isn’t any fun and can be quite painful. No matter if your sensitivity is caused by exposed roots or brushing too hard, a toothpaste designed to desensitize may help ease discomfort. Look for a toothpaste that contains a desensitizer such as strontium chloride or potassium nitrate.
Need to Fight Off Tartar?
Tartar is tough, hardened material that sticks to teeth. We mean really sticks to teeth. In fact, the only way to remove it is by a dentist or hygienist. So while you can’t do much to get rid of tartar once it’s there besides keep your regular dental appointments, you can work to prevent it. A toothpaste that contains zinc citrate or pyrophosphates can keep plaque from hardening into tartar.
No matter what your specific dental needs may be, your dentist in Kettering can help you find the toothpaste that’s best for you and your smile. Make sure you use that toothpaste to brush your teeth every day, twice a day to fight off decay that could lead to the need for a root canal, filling, crown, or sometimes, even an extraction.
If you’d like help figuring out which toothpaste is most appropriate for you, or it’s time for your next dental cleaning and exam, call my Kettering dental office to schedule an appointment today.