
Taking care of your teeth is important. Proper maintenance helps prevent
gingivitis, plaque buildup, and more. Choosing the right product can be a bit
overwhelming. The toothpaste market is extremely crowded. At any drugstore or grocery
store, you’ll find a wide selection of toothpastes with claims from whitening
and cavity prevention to all-natural and organic. So how do you know which one is right for you? In
truth, it depends on your needs.
People with Yellow Teeth
You’ll need a whitening toothpaste if you have yellow teeth. Smoking and
coffee, for instance, can stain your smile. The most effective whitening
versions will include modified silicone abrasives, a feature of Rembrandt
Deeply White for example. These small particles work to polish the surface of
your teeth and remove discoloration. Silicone is gentle and nontoxic also, so
you don’t have to worry about ingesting something harmful through regular
brushing.
Cavity Troubles
Cavities are painful and inconvenient, to say the least. If you’ve had
them in the past, you know how terrible they can be. You see, every hour of the
day bacteria are trying to adhere to your teeth in the form of plaque.
Cavity-protection toothpastes include the mineral fluoride. This compound coats
your teeth and guards them against bacteria. For extra-strength protection,
there are prescription options such as Colgate PreviDent 5000.
Sensitivity Issues
There’s nothing worse than having a sharp, stabbing pain when drinking
or eating hot and cold items. In some cases, this is caused by cavities and
root infections, but many people simply have sensitive mouths. Desensitizing
toothpastes like Sensodyne include strontium chloride or potassium nitrate.
These agents desensitize to help lessen the pain.
Tartar Prevention
Tartar, or calculus, is a form of plaque. It is a hardened version that
sticks to the surface of your teeth. Once it builds up, no amount of brushing
can remove it, and it can only be taken care of by a dental professional. If
you struggle with plague, tartar-prevention toothpastes keep the tartar from
hardening into plaque. A popular and ADA-approved example is Crest Tartar
Protection.
Natural Varieties
If you’re looking for something without chemicals, dyes, and so forth,
it can be hard to find a widely available effective product. Tom’s of Maine
produces all-natural whitening and cavity-protection toothpastes that are
approved by the American Dental Association.