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A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.

How to Choose the Right Toothpaste

September 7, 2021Dakota DentalDental Tips

Brushing your teeth is a daily ritual (and if it isn’t, it should be!) And the toothpaste you use can make a difference on your oral hygiene. But with so many options out there, how do you decide which toothpaste is right for you? If you’ve found yourself lost while staring down an aisle of brightly colored toothpaste brands, this article is for you. 

Does It Matter Which Toothpaste You Use?

It does! Not all toothpastes are created the same. If you’re going to take the time to brush your teeth twice a day, you want to know your toothpaste is working for you. 

While there’s a lot of personalization you can look for when choosing toothpaste, there are two fundamental things we highly encourage you to consider. First of all, we recommend toothpaste with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on it. Secondly, make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride. Any toothpaste with the ADA seal should include fluoride, but double check the packaging to make sure it does. Fluoride is a key ingredient when it comes to fighting cavities, strengthening enamel, and keeping your teeth healthy. 

Is Paying More for Toothpaste Worth It?

If you’re like most people, you’ll probably opt for the same middle-priced toothpaste you’ve bought for years; but is there something to be gained in those higher-priced toothpastes with all the fancy claims? The short answer is: not really.

An Australian study reviewed 17 of the country’s most popular toothpastes to find that, despite varying prices, most of them did the same job of teeth whitening. In fact, most of the brands (ranging in price from $1.27 to $8) contained approximately the same ingredients. Most dentists agree that it is better to invest in a quality toothbrush than to spend money on expensive toothpastes.

What if I Have Sensitive Teeth?

If you have sensitive teeth, you’re going to want to check if the toothpaste packaging lists potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These two ingredients can help lessen discomfort for brushing sensitive teeth.

Best OCT Toothpaste for Sensitivity: Sensodyne ProNamel Fresh Breath toothpaste. Of all the toothpastes tested, this was the one that was the least abrasive, which means for those with sensitive teeth, this toothpaste will be gentle on your thinner enamel. It also contains the aforementioned potassium nitrate.

The Best Whitening Toothpaste

A lot of toothpaste brands claim to be whitening, but few actually accomplish much. When it comes to finding a whitening toothpaste, you want to make sure to find an option that doesn’t lead to increased tooth sensitivity. 

Best Toothpaste for Whitening: Tom’s of Maine Simply White Natural Fluoride toothpaste in Sweet Mint was rated the best whitening toothpaste. This toothpaste has a high level of abrasiveness, which helps whiten teeth and remove surface-level stains.

Note: if you’re looking for whiter teeth quickly, safely, and effectively, we recommend coming in to our clinic for whitening products. We’ll ensure that we’re keeping the integrity of your tooth enamel while brightening up your smile. 

What About Charcoal Toothpaste? 

In general, we don’t recommend using charcoal toothpaste. Although this product is trendy right now, there’s not enough evidence to show that it’s effective. Furthermore, some studies show that this toothpaste can actually damage tooth enamel. We vote to skip it! 

Best Natural Option: The Natural Dentist Healthy Teeth & Gums Anti-Cavity toothpaste in Peppermint Twist. This toothpaste is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial dyes and sweeteners.

So, What Are the Best-Rated Toothpastes?

Woman brushing her teeth in the mirror.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what toothpaste is best for you. But after looking at different options and ingredients, one option stands out among the rest. 

Best-Rated Toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Original Flavor toothpaste in Clean Mint. Crest Pro-Health uses stannous fluoride instead of the more common sodium fluoride. Stannous fluoride not only helps prevent tooth decay, but it also acts as an antibacterial agent, which helps fight gingivitis, plaque and bad breath. On top of that, this toothpaste helps whiten teeth, helps prevent tooth sensitivity, and is verified by the American Dental Association.

Dakota Dental Is Here to Help You and Your Teeth

Well, there you have it! Hopefully, your next trip in the toothpaste aisle is less overwhelming. At Dakota Dental, we love helping people create and maintain healthy oral hygiene habits. Come on it to meet with our dentists — we are ready to educate you on the different options and recommend which toothpaste will work best for you.

Click here to schedule an appointment! We’ll see you soon. 

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