Protect your smile with tips from your dentist in Batavia!
When it comes to selecting the right toothpaste to meet your needs, it’s best to begin by looking at the tube’s ingredients label.
First, ensure that it offers fluoride, which has been proven to safely protect tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Next, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance, which confirms that the toothpaste not only meets the ADA’s strict ingredient requirements for improving oral hygiene, but that it’s free of sugary flavoring agents that contribute to tooth decay, and has scientific evidence to support that it’s safe and effective. (It is important to note, as well, that participation in the ADA program is voluntary, and not all good toothpaste brands carry this seal.)
Still curious about how to choose the right option? Here are a few common questions we receive about toothpaste formulas.
Do whitening toothpastes work, and do they clean teeth as well as other toothpastes?
Though many whitening toothpaste varieties do offer whitening results, their effects are usually minimal and they’re known to cause tooth sensitivity when used for long periods of time.
When it comes to their ability to clean teeth, while many whitening toothpastes contain cavity-fighting fluoride, they may lack ingredients that address other oral health concerns like plaque and gingivitis.
Can toothpastes made from natural ingredients clean and protect teeth?
Multiple studies have shown that toothpastes made from natural ingredients, including baking soda, aloe vera, citrus and more, do not help prevent cavities.
Can enamel-building toothpastes build or strengthen enamel?
Though toothpastes can’t rebuild enamel, depending on the condition of teeth, fluorinated toothpastes may help prevent enamel erosion from getting worse.
Remember, in partnership with flossing, cleaning your teeth with a quality toothpaste twice daily is a vital part of your daily oral health care routine. If you have questions about which formula is right for your smile, we invite you to contact us at Batavia Family Dental today.
Yours in dental health,
Dr. Steve Sokolovskiy, dentist in Batavia
P.S. It’s the mechanical action of brushing teeth with a bristled brush that is mostly responsible for removing plaque from teeth. Toothpaste can contribute to the effect by adding breath-enhancing additives and fluoride.