According to the American Dental Association, a truly effective daily oral hygiene routine starts by brushing and flossing your teeth twice each day. When brushing your teeth, you should use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Using toothpaste has many benefits, like improving your toothbrush’s ability to clean food and plaque from the teeth. When shopping for toothpaste, there are a few things worth keeping an eye out for.
You should always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance before purchasing a particular brand of toothpaste. The seal represents that it has been researched and tested by the ADA for safety and effectiveness.
Abrasive toothpaste is the most commonly used type of toothpaste. It has mild abrasive additives that make it more effective at removing food particles and plaque from the surface of the teeth. A brand with added fluoride also helps to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Nonabrasive toothpaste might be called for if you wear dentures, have a partial, or you need to maintain a custom mouth guard, night guard, or snore guard. There are also nonabrasive toothpastes that are formulated to help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic dry mouth. Toothpaste with fluoride added is an extra bonus as it also helps to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Many people mitigate minor surface stains by using a whitening toothpaste. However, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is not strong enough to remove moderate and deep stains on teeth.
If you need help selecting the right brand of toothpaste, we welcome you to call our dental office in Fort Collins, Colorado, at 970-221-2499.
