What Is the Best Toothpaste?

For many people, shopping for toothpaste is a low-involvement decision. However, it shouldn’t be! The toothpaste that you are using will help you take care of your oral cavity in a comprehensive manner. Yet, it is a basic necessity that most people don’t give much thought to. Here’s how you can judge which toothpaste is best based on its ingredients.

Fluoride

The primary cavity-preventing component of toothpaste is fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel. Fluoride is present in each tube of toothpaste bearing the ADA mark.

There are two varieties of fluoride that are frequently present in dental products, the first being sodium fluoride. Since it stops tooth decay, sodium fluoride is more frequently used. The second is stannous fluoride, which lessens tooth sensitivity and fights tooth decay and gingivitis. Although stannous fluoride discolors teeth, it has been stabilized so that discoloration is no longer a problem.

The American Dental Association (ADA) upholds the safety of fluoride in both toothpaste and drinking water, while the American Association of Pediatrics suggests using fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water at age-appropriate levels. Fluoride levels in children's toothpaste are often lower than those in adult toothpaste.

Potassium Nitrate

It is crucial to look for a toothpaste with potassium nitrate, a component that lessens tooth sensitivity if you have sensitive teeth. According to a study, the effects of toothpaste and mouthwash containing potassium nitrate were examined, and both were found to reduce sensitivity considerably.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc citrate lessens the accumulation of plaque, a bacterial-filled sticky film that coats teeth. According to Hewlett, tartar forms when plaque absorbs calcium from your saliva and needs to be removed. He claims that although other compounds also help to eliminate plaque, zinc citrate is one of the most popular.

Adults who used toothpaste containing zinc citrate to clean their teeth were compared to those who did not in a study by researchers as well. It was discovered that after 14 days of use, the zinc citrate group had a 24 to 52 percent lower level of bacteria than the control group.

Conclusion

For the best results, find a toothpaste that includes all the components in adequate quantities.

For more information on oral health and to schedule an appointment with a leading dentist, get in touch with Meadows Family Dentistry today.