Types of Toothpaste & What They Are Best For

Why Is It Important to Use The Right Toothpaste?

You may not think a lot about it as you apply your toothpaste, but it plays a major role in your oral health. It’s important to brush twice a day but it’s just as important to use the right toothpaste. So, how do you know the right toothpaste for you?

Types of Toothpaste

The needs of our teeth change over the years, and the type of toothpaste required as the first tooth erupts is different from that needed as we mature.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride works to strengthen enamel and increases the rate of remineralization. By using fluoride toothpaste, patients can prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming. In addition, fluoride toothpaste can reinforce weak spots in your teeth. Fluoride is also found in some mouthwashes and is found in some municipal water sources to prevent tooth damage.

Best for: everyone!

Children’s Toothpaste

Speaking of fluoride, it’s the main difference in children and adult toothpaste. Children under the age of 6 should use children’s or low fluoride toothpaste. While fluoride is good for your teeth, adult toothpaste can contain too much for children. If a child’s teeth are exposed to too much fluoride, they can form little white spots. This is known as fluorosis. It is important to use a tiny smear of low fluoride toothpaste in children under 2. As they get older, you can increase the amount of toothpaste. Between the ages of 2-5 years old, a pea sized amount of children's toothpaste is appropriate.

Best for: children under 6

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

For patients that want to remove surface stains from their teeth, commonly caused by coffee or smoking, teeth whitening toothpaste could be for you. Teeth whitening toothpaste contains peroxide or other ingredients that break down stains and special abrasives to polish your teeth. However, whitening toothpaste can take several weeks to show a noticeable difference and it cannot remove deep teeth stains.

Best for: patients with surface stains

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Ever have pain or tingling when you eat or drink hot and cold foods? You may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive toothpaste can help! Sensitive toothpaste works by covering up or desensitizing nerve endings and dentinal tubules. That, in addition to containing more fluoride, allows this toothpaste to protect sensitive teeth and strengthen your gums. Sensitive toothpaste can also help with patients that have tooth sensitivity to teeth whitening If you feel you have extra sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about possibly needing a prescription toothpaste!

Best for: patients with hot or cold teeth sensitivity

Schedule a Visit with Dental365!

Visit any of our Dental365 locations in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey to talk about toothpaste and cleaning habits with our expert dentists. Contact us at (844) 365-DENTAL for more information or to schedule an appointment