People always ask us, what toothpaste should I be using? Is it important to use a particular brand?
So we thought we would review the most common types of toothpaste.
Normal fluoridated toothpaste
- This is what you should be using if you are 6 years of age or over
- Ensure the toothpaste has Fluoride! Most of the common brands are fluoridated but if you’re not sure, just check the packaging.
Kids Toothpaste
- Kids under 6 should generally use a children’s toothpaste. Main difference is that the flavour is not as strong as adult toothpaste and it has a lower dose of fluoride as they don’t have any adult teeth yet and they tend to swallow toothpaste!
Whitening Toothpaste
- Whitening toothpaste does little to whiten your teeth!
- It is quite abrasive so daily use is not recommended.
- It is good for smokers and heavy coffee/tea drinkers to reduce the stain build-up on teeth
Sensitive Toothpaste
- As the name suggests, this is for people who have generally sensitive teeth- mainly cold sensitivity
- Most sensitive toothpastes require continual use for it to be effective
Dry mouth Toothpaste
- Help lubricate the oral cavity and provide more sustained relief for dry mouth sufferers.
- It also generally has less/no SLS in the toothpaste
Higher Fluoride Toothpaste
- If you are at high risk of developing decay, a higher fluoride toothpaste may be better for you.
- This should be discussed with your dentist.
There is no real need to buy a particular brand of toothpaste. Just ensure that you are using the right toothpaste for your situation. It is always best to check with your dentist about this!
Although it may sound obvious, you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with the toothpaste for it to work :).
As always, contact us here and give us a call or book online to discuss further.
Happy Brushing!