There are many different kinds of toothpaste. This means you have many options, but it also means you might not know which toothpaste to choose. It can feel like there is no way to know if one kind of toothpaste is better than any other. It turns out that choosing the right toothpaste is actually incredibly simple. This guide will explain what the two factors that matter are, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Fluoride
The most important aspect to consider is how much fluoride is in your toothpaste. Fluoride is a substance that encourages tooth health, which means it really is beneficial to choose toothpaste that has it. The quantity of fluoride that is in toothpaste is harmless, so you do not need to worry about your safety. In fact, there is a little fluoride in the tap water of most cities.
Fluoride promotes tooth health in two ways:
- Prevent acid from deteriorating the tooth
- Repair the tooth slightly
The best amount of fluoride to have in your toothpaste is 1,000 parts per million. If there is too little, it is not having any meaningful effect.
Stamp of Approval
The other thing you should look for is the stamp of approval from the American Dental Association. This guarantees that the toothpaste has the right amount of fluoride and does not have anything else in it that may damage your teeth. It is rare for toothpaste to have any damaging ingredients, with or without the stamp of approval. However, some specialty types of toothpaste may have one of these ingredients, which is why you should look for the stamp of approval. The American Dental Association is the foundation in the US that checks toothpaste and ensures it is safe to use.
Other Kinds of Toothpaste
Outside of these two factors, you do not have anything to worry about. Every other aspect is simply up to your preference. Some toothpaste is designed to whiten teeth, strengthen enamel, or have other special effects. While the strength of these effects is not guaranteed, they will not damage your teeth. You should know that whitening toothpaste does not make a noticeable difference in the short term. It takes months or possibly even years for your teeth to whiten from toothpaste alone. If you are hoping to achieve some difference in any aspect of your teeth, you should discuss your desires with your dentist. A dentist in San Clemente, CA can give you advice on how to proceed safely and effectively.
Thanks to John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into dental care and factors for choosing a toothpaste.