What Kind of Toothpaste to Use

When you walk down the oral care aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy, you’ll find an overwhelming number of toothpaste options.

What flavor do you like? Is fluoride better than sensitivity toothpaste? Do I want a screw-on cap or a flip-off cap? Can I still use bubblegum toothpaste as an adult?

It seems like there are hundreds of different toothpastes, but they can be categorized into one of six main types.

1. Children’s Toothpaste

Because children’s teeth don’t require the same intensity of cleaning as adult teeth, these toothpastes contain less fluoride and fewer abrasive agents. In fact, an adult toothpaste may be harmful to a child’s teeth.

If you’re an adult who’s fond of those fun toothpaste flavors, such as bubblegum or blue raspberry, you can use children’s toothpaste. However, we recommend that you consistently use adult toothpaste as well for superior cleaning and care.

2. Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water sources and helps prevent tooth decay and reduce cavities in children and adults.

When the fluoride from toothpaste reaches your teeth, it’s absorbed into the enamel and begins a process called remineralization. This means that it replenishes lost calcium and phosphorus, keeping your teeth strong and hard.

If you frequently get cavities or are worried about tooth decay, you may want to consider using this kind of toothpaste. If you have braces, we especially recommend using fluoride toothpaste.

3. Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that makes up tooth enamel. This mineral is found in nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes, and can help remineralize the tooth structure, similar to fluoride. If you want to avoid fluoride, this would be the best alternative to help prevent cavities.

4. Tartar Control Toothpaste

Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to their decay.

If you consistently miss certain spots while brushing, plaque builds up in those areas and eventually hardens, turning into tartar. This is one of the leading factors of gum disease, which affects people of all ages.

Tartar control toothpaste is designed to remove as much plaque as possible and stop the formation of new plaque deposits.

5. Sensitivity Toothpaste

Some people experience teeth sensitivity and have pain when eating or drinking.

A sensitive toothpaste contains compounds (such as strontium chloride and potassium nitrate) that block the nerves in the teeth from sensing hot and cold temperatures. It may take several weeks for this to take effect, and it’s a good idea to continue using it to find relief in the future.

6. Whitening Toothpaste

Coffee drinkers – where ya at? ☕️

Whitening toothpastes are ideal for those who drink a lot of coffee or dark tea and have yellowing teeth. While they can’t change the color of your teeth or remove a deep stain, whitening toothpaste removes surface stains with its abrasive agents that polish the teeth. It is best to avoid charcoal toothpastes as they are too abrasive and will remove enamel from the teeth. If removing stains from your teeth is a goal, teeth whitening may be a more effective option.

The Most Important Thing

While some toothpastes are better suited for certain situations, it’s most important that you use some kind of toothpaste and brush and floss regularly. If you’re not sure which type of toothpaste is best for you, we’d be happy to chat with you about it.

Remember, consultation appointments are always free at Meyer Orthodontics. We hope to see you soon!