Which toothpastes work best?

Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at several ways you can improve your oral health in 2016. From minimising your intake of acidic foods to improving the way you brush your teeth – we’ve covered it all. In today’s blog, we’re rounding off the series with a feature on toothpaste. With so many different types out there, how do you know which one is best for you and what the different formulas actually do? That’s exactly what we’ll be discovering today…

Finding the right toothpaste for your teeth

Whitening toothpastes

These are probably the most popular types of toothpaste and there are plenty out there on the market. Look closely at the description and the ingredients and you’ll also find huge differences in their offerings.

Some whitening toothpastes remove surface stains by using abrasive ingredients to polish the teeth. Your teeth begin to look whiter as discolouration is slowly removed. One of the downsides to surface stain whitening toothpaste is that it can cause sensitivity over time.

Which toothpastes work best

The other alternative is bleaching toothpastes and whitening gels. These types of toothpaste always contain a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. With a bleaching toothpaste, your teeth will actually change in colour as dark stains are bleached away.

Best for: Those dreaming of pearly whites

Anti-decay toothpaste / Cavity protection toothpaste

Anti-decay toothpaste, otherwise referred to as cavity protection toothpaste, contains a special formulation for the prevention and control of dental cavities. Typically, these toothpastes include a mixture of essential minerals to increase the rate of remineralisation of the teeth. Additional sucrose phosphate anions, available in some brands of anti-decay toothpaste, also absorb onto the enamel surface – decreasing the rate of acid damage.

Which toothpastes work best?

Best for: Those with cavities and those with a sugary / acidic diet

Sensitive toothpaste

Sensitive toothpaste has been specially formulated to help you forget the pain and nuisance of sensitive teeth. Depending on the product’s ingredients, some sensitive toothpastes just numb the pain, while others plug exposed channels that lead to sensitive tooth nerves and block the pain. With regular use, these types of toothpaste can build a reparative layer, helping to ensure long lasting protection against sensitivity.

Which toothpastes work best

Best for: Those with sensitive teeth

Anti plaque toothpaste / Gum health toothpaste

This type of toothpaste helps prevent the build up of plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease, gum bleeding, and gum inflammation. Fluoride is usually the active ingredient in these toothpastes and provides an anti-bacterial system that protects against plaque.

Which toothpastes work best

Best for: Complete care

If you would like a little extra help when it comes to dental product recommendations, don’t forget to ask you AP Smilecare dentist at your next appointment. We have a variety of products available at the clinic and will be happy to suggest the right products for your dental needs.