What To Look For In Your Toothpaste
By Dr Anthony HuaThere are so many different options on the shelf when it comes to toothpaste, but which is the best one to choose for optimal oral health? There are whitening options, charcoal toothpaste, all-in-one solutions – the list goes on.
To help give you some clarity, we have put together a checklist for you. Whatever brand you prefer, make sure the toothpaste you are selecting ticks as many of these boxes as possible to ensure you are doing the best you can for robust oral health.
Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride
This might seem like a no-brainer. Most people would assume that all toothpaste contains fluoride because it is a leading agent in fighting cavities and shielding your teeth from plaque and decay. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
The only time you should avoid standard amounts of fluoride is when you are choosing children’s toothpaste for kids under the age of six, because they tend to swallow rather than spit out excess toothpaste. Between the ages of 2 and 6, a low fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended.
Focus on sensitivity, not whitening agents
If you have any sensitivity in your teeth, you should steer clear of the tubes of toothpaste that claim to have whitening properties. This is because those types of toothpaste have stronger active agents that can cause you pain. Speak to our professional team about safe teeth whitening options so you can have a confident smile without risking your oral health.
Are antibacterial agents a good thing?
These kinds of toothpaste are on-trend right now and make bold claims about killing bacteria (which can lead to infections) and giving you fresh breath. While this sounds good, brushing regularly and flossing daily is going to eliminate bacteria anyway. Avoid brands of toothpaste that focus on antibacterial agents over fluoride, which strengthens your teeth and provides the shield you need against tooth decay.
Should I use calculus removal toothpaste?
Just like teeth whitening toothpaste, you should avoid these brands if you have reasonably healthy teeth and gums. Calculus, otherwise known as tartar, is formed when plaque is not effectively removed during cleaning and minerals from your saliva combine with the plaque to harden. It can cause a range of oral health problems as calculus is loaded with bacteria, stains your teeth and is difficult to remove by yourself.
If you have calculus, this kind of toothpaste contains strong abrasives that can help remove it. But if you don’t, these abrasives can damage your enamel leading to sensitivity and exposing your teeth to plaque and cavities. If you have accumulation of calculus, it is best to speak to our team about having a professional clean.
Check the ingredients in natural toothpastes
Another trend today is organic and sustainable products. This has paved the way for numerous natural kinds of toothpaste that might not provide the right protection for your mouth. Check the ingredients list to ensure fluoride is present and to confirm there are no potential allergens or ingredients that could be harmful to you as an individual.
Ensure your toothpaste has the Australian Dental Association’s Seal of Approval
Never trust any toothpaste that does not have the Australian Dental Association’s Seal of Approval. This seal is your assurance that the product has been thoroughly assessed by industry professionals, including our very own Dr Anthony Hua who is a Seal of Approval Adviser. To obtain this seal, a product needs to have met all the safety and efficacy standards to ensure your oral health is being looked after. And remember, at the end of the day, your toothpaste is only as good as your regular cleaning habits.
Contact us
If you are looking for professional dental care on the Gold Coast, contact our team at Burleigh Dental Studio today. We’re here to help you achieve your best smile.
Article by Dr Anthony Hua – Principal Dentist
Dr Anthony Hua is the Founder & Principal Dentist at Burleigh Dental Studio. His passion, expertise and dedication to the field of dentistry have been recognised by his achievement of Fellowship status with the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
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