Dr. Swanson Reader Question: Which Toothpaste Should I Use?

The most important part of brushing your teeth isn’t the toothpaste. It’s the brushing. Two minutes of circular motions in the front and back of your teeth is what will help dislodge food and remove bacteria, even if there was no toothpaste on your brush. In fact, some of the original toothpastes were designed more to make your breath smell better and make brushing more pleasant, rather than clean teeth.

But scientific advancements have made toothpaste more valuable than it was in the past. Although many people choose toothpastes based on flavor, there are only some types of toothpaste that are truly valuable when it comes to caring for your teeth. 

What to Look For From Toothpastes: 

With literally dozens of toothpaste brands and even more variation within those brands, it is difficult to recommend a specific toothpaste, but we can recommend specific factors that you can expect to find with a toothpaste worth using. These include:

• ADA Seal of Approval – Just because a toothpaste is for sale, doesn’t mean that it is approved by dentists. Look for the ADA Seal of Approval. The ADA is the American Dental Association, the toothpastes they recommend are more likely to be healthy for your teeth.
• Fluoridated – Fluoride is one of the few minerals that we know for a fact helps strengthen enamel and ward off decay. It’s why municipalities often add the mineral to our water supply. But since not everyone gets the fluoride they need (especially if they do not drink from the tap), toothpaste with fluoride covers that gap.
• No/Minimal Whitening Agents – Tooth whitening agents in toothpaste are helpful for reducing stains, but for most patients they should be avoided. That’s because they may contain abrasives that can damage tooth enamel, especially if you’re prone to weaker teeth. If you want whiter teeth, you should consider contacting Dr. Swanson and inquiring about our tooth whitening service, or asking us our recommendation for safe whitening toothpastes.

As you can see, this opens the door for many different toothpastes and brands. In fact, some of the more “luxury” and expensive brands may not be any better or worse than some of the less expensive brands, provided they meet these guidelines. Often the difference between them is marketing.

That said, there are specialty toothpastes, including toothpaste only available at the dentist, that may be useful for brushing your teeth. Patients that struggle with tooth decay, for example, may benefit from prescription strength toothpastes. These toothpastes may have high concentrations of fluoride (along with  other ingredients) to try to prevent tooth decay and rebuild some enamel. 

But for those that do not require a prescription strength toothpaste, most toothpastes that meet the above requirements will suit your needs. Brushing for two minutes is going to be the most important part of caring for your teeth, but a good toothpaste can aid the process along and help you maintain better oral health. 

If you’re ready to schedule your next dental appointment, call us today at 559-732-4543.

We are located at 2310 W Whitendale Ave., Suite C Visalia, CA 93277.