What To Look For
When shopping for a toothpaste, remember that taste and texture matter little in determining a toothpaste's effectiveness. The American Dental Association claims that a good toothpaste first and foremost should have fluoride as an ingredient. Fluoride has been shown in studies to be effective at reducing cavities by 40 percent. It should also have a seal from the American Dental Association. If you want a whitening toothpaste, it should have a mild peroxide-based abrasive. Finally, if you prefer organic products, the toothpaste should include natural coloring and flavorings.
Common Pitfalls
Less is more when it comes to toothpaste. Use only a pea-size portion of toothpaste. Not only is a small amount sufficient in cleaning; some cleansing ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which creates the foaming action in toothpaste, can be harmful if ingested. In addition, too much abrasive can harm the tooth's enamel and some whitening agents can cause gum and mouth irritation.
Where To Buy
Top rated toothpastes such as Colgate, Crest Pro-Health and Tom's of Maine are available in most supermarkets and drugstores. For sensitive teeth, Sensodyne and Pronamel are rated highly and can be purchased in most large pharmacy chains such as RiteAid, CVS and Walgreens.
Cost
Price is not a guarantor of quality. The best-rated toothpastes average around $3 per tube. Pronamel and Sensodyne can run up to $6 per tube, but since you only brush with a pea-size portion, you can reduce the cost per portion. Also, store circulars frequently run manufacturer's specials on Colgate and Crest. The shelf life of toothpaste is greater than two years. When the price drops between $2.50, stock up.
