Have you ever paused to think for a moment about your choice of toothpaste? Effective toothbrushing relies on using the right products, including your toothpaste, and the proper brushing techniques. Don’t worry, as it isn’t complicated, and the best product is most likely one you enjoy using and which will encourage you to continue brushing your teeth regularly, so don’t disregard the need to choose toothpaste in a flavour and texture that appeals. We’ve put together a short guide outlining some of the options available.
Fluoride and Why It’s Important
The Canadian Dental Association supports the use of appropriate fluoride in dentistry and fluoridated toothpaste should be used twice daily to brush teeth. Fluoride helps to slow down enamel erosion by increasing its resistance to acids. These acids are produced by bacteria in your mouth that thrive on the sugars and carbohydrates in the foods you consume. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in Whitby, spit out the excess afterwards but don’t rinse as this will leave a thin layer of fluoride ions coating your teeth, giving you just a little extra protection.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Many toothpastes claim to whiten teeth, and some can contain abrasive materials to scrub away surface stains. Others contain tiny amounts of peroxide to help bleach away stains. Teeth whitening toothpaste that is safe to use will most likely have very little effect on the overall colour of your teeth as it isn’t in contact with your teeth for long enough to make a real difference. It’s better to avoid tooth whitening toothpaste that is highly abrasive and which could damage your tooth enamel. If you are concerned about the colour of your teeth, it’s far better to come and see us here at Margolian Dentistry and to discuss professional tooth whitening treatments in Oshawa. These are very safe and are far more effective than anything you can buy over the counter.
Tartar Control
Each day, your teeth become covered with a sticky plaque biofilm that contains bacteria. Hopefully, most plaque is removed when you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Any that remains will soon harden into calculus or tartar. Once you have tartar on your teeth, it makes it easier for more tartar to build up. Tartar control toothpaste helps to control this buildup and could help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, there is no substitute for having your teeth cleaned professionally in Oshawa. You cannot remove tartar build-up with toothpaste as it must be carefully scaled or scraped away using special hand and ultrasonic tools in the dental office. Most people benefit from twice-yearly professional dental cleanings, and it’s a great idea to book a hygienist appointment at the same time as your dental checkup.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
When tooth enamel is thinner, it can result in tooth sensitivity as the sensations whenever you eat something hot or cold are transmitted through the tooth and into the tooth nerve. Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can work very well, creating a barrier between the nerves in the teeth and hot or cold foods. These kinds of toothpaste generally take a couple of weeks to build up and must be used continuously to maintain this effect. However, if you do have tooth sensitivity in Ajax, please see your dentist first as sometimes this is caused by untreated dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
Children’s Toothpaste
If you have young children, we can discuss the best type of toothpaste for them to use and can show you how much is needed to clean their teeth thoroughly. You only need a tiny smear to clean a young child’s teeth, approximately the size of a grain of rice before age three.
