1. There's a Toothpaste for Every Dental Problem
For those with naturally sensitive teeth, consider toothpaste like Sensodyne. Tartar control toothpaste prevents hard yellow plaque buildup, but use it after a professional dental cleaning to prevent tartar from forming. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste contains triclosan, an antibacterial agent to combat bacteria in the mouth and maintain healthy gums. Most toothpaste brands contain cavity fighting fluoride, but be careful when your kids use them. Brushing with too much fluoride can discolor a child's teeth. Check on the amount of fluoride in your local water supply to determine how much fluoride toothpaste your child should use.
2. That Perfect Hollywood Smile Comes at a Price
Whitening toothpaste contains enamel-grating abrasives and other ingredients that can weaken tooth enamel when used too often. Whitening toothpaste eliminates pellicle, a film that enables stains to adhere to enamel. Any over the counter whitening toothpaste works slowly, so be patient. Ask your dentist for a professional whitening system if you want that sparkly smile in a hurry and then follow up with whitening toothpaste to maintain your new look.
3. Only a Dollop (Or Two or Three) Will Do
To get the best cleaning from toothpaste, squeeze two or three pea sized dollops on your brush. (One dollops for kids under six.)The perfect amount to use depends on the brand of toothpaste and the amount of cleaning foam it produces in your mouth. Experiment and see what works for you. Squeezing a line of toothpaste the length of the bristles looks good, but can produce too many suds as you brush and make a mess. Ultimately, choose the toothpaste that gives your mouth the cleanest feeling.
4. All Toothpastes Are Not Created Equal
Occasionally, cheap toothpaste made in China, Mexico or other countries appears on discount store shelves. Avoid inexpensive, foreign toothpaste brands, as they've been known to contain ineffective or toxic ingredients like diethylene glycol. Choose products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to ensure quality instead.
5. You Know the Drill
Brush and floss twice a day whether you use plain fluoride toothpaste or fancy whitening toothpaste named after an artist. Consistent and thorough home dental care keeps your mouth and teeth healthy and keeps you away from the dentist. Unless you're a glutton for punishment and you like the sound of the dentist's drill.
