ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE?
Choosing the right toothpaste for you and your family can be an overwhelming adventure. The Murray Dental team has created a quick guide to help you make a well-informed choice.
NON-NEGOTIABLES
1. ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA conducts both clinical and laboratory studies before any toothpaste receives the seal of acceptance for safety and effectiveness. After receiving the seal, every product must renew their seal every three years. Don’t even consider toothpaste without the seal.
2. Flouride
Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste because it prevents tooth decay by strengthening your tooth enamel and protecting your teeth from the acid caused by sugars and starches. All ADA approved toothpastes have fluoride.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Beyond using toothpaste with the ADA seal, make sure you choose toothpaste you will use every day based on your priorities and preferences
Whiter Teeth
Whiter teeth can help boost your confidence while giving you a beautiful smile. There are many whitening toothpastes on the market today. Although many people assume bleach is the main ingredient, whitening toothpastes actually contain abrasives or chemicals that polish teeth and pull stains off the surface.
TIP: Look for carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as effective whitening agents. If you are not satisfied with the shade of your teeth, please contact the Murray team to see how we can provide professional level solutions for whiter teeth.
Tartar Control
Controlling tartar is foundational to proper oral hygiene. We all have a layer of bacteria on our teeth called plaque, which can become tartar without consistent dental care. Tartar build-up may ultimately lead to gum disease. Chemicals like pyrophosphates, zinc citrate and a bacteria-killing antibiotic called triclosan are proven tartar fighters.
TIP: Toothpastes with more than one plaque fighting ingredients have been shown to be most helpful. Tartar can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Schedule your cleaning today with the Murray team.
Sensitive Teeth
Do not allow sensitive teeth to cause you to brush less often. If your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold, or you have sensitive gums, look for toothpaste with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth will reduce your tooth sensitivity over time.
TIP: Baking soda toothpaste can also reduce sensitivity.
Great Taste
You can have it all – healthy toothpaste that also tastes great. Artificial flavoring has been added to toothpastes today to make brushing enjoyable while removing every excuse we might invent to skip this essential habit. Mint, lemon-lime, cinnamon and other flavors are on the market for adults. Plus, many kid-friendly flavors and colors have been created to help kids enjoy developing great oral hygiene habits for life.
All Natural Ingredients
If you prefer a more organic lifestyle, there are all-natural toothpastes available without chemicals. Please make sure your choice has the ADA seal of approval.
BOTTOM LINE
At Murray Dental, we highly recommend choosing Tartar Control toothpaste with the ADA seal (it will include fluoride), while the rest is up to you. We encourage you to try different brands until you find the toothpaste that best fits your personal priorities and preferences.
For professional help with creating and maintaining the confidence of a healthy, beautiful smile, contact the Murray team today.
