All toothbrushes and toothpastes are the same right? Not quite......

Many people are unaware of the importance of using the right oral hygiene tools. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing twice a day with the proper prodiuts is imperative to preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.

Here are some statistics:

• About 90% of American adults have at least one cavity by the age of 21
• Nearly 47% of American adults over 30 are plagued with a type of gum disease

Keeping these statistics in mind, it is evident that selecting the right toothpaste and toothbrush can help prevent these common issues and advocate long-term oral health.

What to Consider When Choosing Toothpaste

Toothpaste does more than just clean your teeth—it can target specific dental issues like sensitivity, staining and/or plaque. Below is a breakdown of the main types of toothpaste and when to use them.

1. Cavity Prevention Toothpaste

Fluoride is the most common ingredient in toothpaste for cavity prevention. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Fluoridated toothpaste is essential for protecting teeth from cavities, and most dentists recommend it. The ADA recommends brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day to prevent cavities. While fluoridated toothpaste is safe and effective in preventing cavities, make sure that you rinse well with water after brushing your teeth to prevent the ingestion of toothpaste. 

2. Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes are popular for people looking to brighten their smile. Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives that help remove surface stains caused by foods and beverages like coffee, tea, or wine. Whitening toothpaste is best for people who want to remove surface stains and brighten their smile. To remove deeper staining however, one may opt for an in office whitening session. At Shine DDS we office both in office whitening and take home whitening kits. Call 718-51-0101 to book your whitening appointment. 

3. Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

If you experience sensitivity or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods, you may need toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients like potassium nitrate that help close up the pathways to the nerves, reducing sensitivity. These toothpastes are best for people with gum recession and/or sensitive teeth. 

If your teeth have lingering sensitivity when having hot, cold or sweet foods or beverages, it may mean something is brewing, for example a cavity or the start of gum disease. Contact Shine DDS to schedule a dental evaluation and checkup.

4. Tartar Control Toothpaste

If you struggle with tartar buildup, which is the hardened plaque that can lead to gum disease, you may want to consider a tartar control toothpaste. These toothpastes contain ingredients like pyrophosphates and zinc citrate, which help prevent the formation of tartar. These pastes are best for people prone to plaque buildup or people who have had gum disease in the past.

5. Natural Toothpaste

For those who prefer a more holistic approach to oral care, natural toothpastes contain fewer synthetic chemicals and are often free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes. Many natural toothpastes still contain fluoride, which is highly recommended for prevention of cavities. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Toothbrush

Your toothbrush is just as important as your toothpaste. The right toothbrush can make brushing more effective and comfortable. Here’s what to look for.

1. Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush

When choosing between a manual and an electric toothbrush, it’s essential to consider your personal needs and preferences.

• Manual Toothbrush: A manual toothbrush can effectively clean your teeth if used correctly. Look for soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums or enamel.
• Electric Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes have been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis more effectively than manual ones, particularly for people who struggle to brush thoroughly. A study by the Cochrane Oral Health Group found that electric toothbrushes reduce plaque by 21% more than manual toothbrushes after three months of use.

2. Bristle Type

The type of bristle you choose can impact the health of your gums and the effectiveness of your brushing. Most dentists recommend soft bristles, as they are gentle on your gums and enamel. Hard bristles can wear down tooth enamel and cause gum irritation. These are generally not recommended by dentists as they can be abrasive and result in recession of the gums and removal of enamel over time. It is best to use a soft bristled toothbrush at all times. 

3. Toothbrush Size and Shape

When selecting a toothbrush, consider the size of the brush head and the shape of the handle. A smaller brush head can reach difficult areas, like the back molars, more easily than larger heads. Some toothbrushes come with ergonomic handles which help provide a better grip; this can be helpful for people with limited dexterity.

4. ADA Seal of Approval

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is an imperative factor when choosing both toothpaste and toothbrushes. This seal means the product has been thoroughly tested and meets the ADA’s rigorous safety and efficacy standards. There are so many options out there that the ADA seal of approval can help with narrowing down the choices. Look for the ADA seal when purchasing oral hygiene products to ensure you are getting a product that meets high standards.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become warped or frayed. A worn toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly, which can lead to plaque buildup resulting in dental cavities and other dental issues.

Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is a decision based on your oral health needs. Whether you are dealing with sensitivity, aiming to prevent cavities, and/or searching for a brighter smile, there are perfect combinations of toothpastes and toothbrushes for you. By selecting products with the ADA seal of approval and keeping your personal dental needs in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating and maintaining optimal oral health.

Don’t hesitate to contact Shine DDS in Brooklyn, NY to seek recommendations tailored to your specific needs. After all, choosing the right oral care products can make all the difference in keeping your smile bright and healthy!

Call, email or text us today to schedule your next appointment! 

Author

Evelyn Shine Dentist