I have been asked by many of my patients “What toothpaste should I use? “ Toothpaste has many uses: it helps eliminate and mask bad breath, removes dental plaque and food debris from teeth, polishes teeth and removes stains. Overall, toothpaste promotes proper oral hygiene and dental health.
What is in toothpaste? Toothpaste is available in paste, gel or powder. It will generally include a gentle abrasive to polish and remove stain. Most toothpastes have fluoride to make the tooth structure more relevant to decay and to promote re-mineralization of tooth structure. Toothpaste also has surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents to float away debris from between the teeth. Some specialized toothpastes will also include desensitizing agents to relieve tooth sensitivity to cold. This will generally be the addition of potassium to coat the dental tubules that contribute to cold sensitivity.
Toothpastes contain abrasive agents to brush away stain. These abrasives need to be formulated so that they do not wear away necessary tooth structure. Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selection of the right toothpaste and by practicing proper brushing technique. If using an electronic brush (we recommend the Sonicare) it is suggested to have a light touch across the surface of your teeth.
Tooth sensitivity or “dentin hypersensitivity” is when your teeth painfully overreact to temperature (especially cold) or touch. It is not a disease, but rather a condition that develops over time. It is a condition that affects adults of all ages. Toothpastes that desensitize, used twice a day, build a barrier that block the pain of hot and cold and keep it from coming back. It blocks the transmission of fluid across dentinal tubules that lead to the nerve within the tooth. To stop recurring pain you may need to use desensitizing paste for the rest of you life. It is alright to do this.
When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste, it’s important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some pastes aim to alleviate pain from sensitive teeth; all will try to control plaque, tartar and stain. Some pastes also possess whitening agents. Because each brand of toothpaste is uniquely formulated, please speak to your dentist to determine the right choice for you.
Dr. Allan Fine and staff are located at 24318 Walnut Street, Suite 2 in Newhall and can be reached at 661-259-7760. Dr. Fine has been serving the SCV for over 35 years. Visit him online at www.afinedds.com . Looking forward to seeing you soon!