Toothpaste Guide for Your Teeth

The topic of toothpaste can be very overwhelming. It is such a competitive market, that as a consumer you really don’t know which one is best for you or your oral health. Here is a small breakdown to hopefully make your decision easier the next time you’re in the toothpaste isle.

The Toothpaste Guide

1. Fluoridated Toothpaste – this type of toothpaste makes up over 90% of toothpaste sales and the biggest benefit is that it fights against cavities.
2. Children’s Toothpaste – Toothpaste for kids usually has either no fluoride or much less fluoride than adult toothpaste. The reason for that is to ensure that the child doesn’t ingest too much fluoride which could cause fluorosis. This type of toothpaste also has less abrasives that are present in adult toothpaste to get rid of staining.
3. Smoker’s Toothpaste – These are specific toothpastes that are made to fight the tobacco stains. Unlike children’s toothpastes – this one contains more abrasives to effectively remove smoking stains.
4. Herbal or Natural Toothpaste – This toothpaste is a natural alternative to toothpastes and provides a gentler experience. They are fully biodegradable and contain only natural ingredients. Most of them still contain some fluoride to protect the teeth from decay. There are ones available without any fluoride – however, most dentists do not recommend them as they do not effectively protect teeth.
5. Whitening Toothpaste – Although not as effective as professional whitening – these toothpastes have abrasives which help to remove surface stains on teeth. Therefore, it is important to note that these toothpastes do not change the colour of your teeth like bleaching does.
6. Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste – This toothpaste is great for people who feel discomfort when eating or drinking hot/cold things. Sometimes traditional toothpastes make teeth sensitive because of the abrasives. So, switching to a sensitive type toothpaste will help get rid of the sensitivity. This type of toothpaste contains an active ingredient that blocks the microscopic holes in your teeth and protect the nerve of the tooth which causes the sensitivity.
7. Tartar Control Toothpaste – Tartar is hardened plaque that has accumulated at the gum line. If not effectively removed it can cause gum disease. This type of toothpaste works to prevent the formation of tartar rather than removing it. Still, the best way to remove tartar is by going to see your dental hygienist on a regular basis.
8. Denture Cleaners – Regular toothpastes are great to clean dentures, however it has been proven that denture tablets are much more effective at cleaning dentures.

For more information about how to properly brush and floss your teeth, please visit the Canadian Dental Association, here.

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Dr Christopher Sims

Dentist in Hamilton at Century Stone Dental

After attending the University of Toronto to obtain his DDS, Dr. Christopher Sims made his way to Hamilton to complete an undergrad at McMaster Unversity. But his education didn’t stop there. He’s completed a number of additional courses to best serve his patients and be able to educate them too.

No matter your age, dental condition, and if you have a million questions, Dr. Sims can assist you or your young children in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns. Dr. Sims grew up in Grimsby playing basketball, so he’s always up for talking about the Raptors! He’s also a football fan - go Buffalo Bills! In his free time, if he’s not watching a basketball game or football game, you’ll likely find him working out, cooking (got any new recipe ideas?), and of course, spending time with his amazing family.

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