Which Toothpaste is Best?

We often get confused looking for the right toothpaste. Even if we choose the right one we should not forget that they are all chemicals. When we clean our mouth, we face a hard-to-clean surface such as a tooth surface. This surface is a very active environment in a bacterial sense. That’s why we shouldn’t forget that some of these chemicals in toothpaste must be present. So, which toothpaste is best?

Fluoride-Free vs Fluoride Toothpaste

In particular, we think fluoride, which we widely discussed, should be in the toothpaste of all patients or anyone who brushes their teeth under normal conditions. If you look at the ADA’s website, you’ll see that the ADA will not approve any fluoride-free toothpaste. In general, fluoride toothpaste is not a problem in adults. However, it is important for children to choose fluoride-free toothpaste especially up to the age of 3 (some say 6).  In this respect, Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste and SPLAT Toothpaste for Kids 2-6 years can be good choices.  We can show SPLAT Organic Special Series Toothpaste as an example of fluoride-free and special toothpaste produced for use during pregnancy.

Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride

The other issue is the kind of fluoride compound. Because there is more than one form of fluoride available; stannous fluoride (SnF2), sodium fluoride (NaF), etc. So what’s the difference between stannous fluoride vs. sodium fluoride? Stannous fluoride (SnF2) is an anti-bacterial agent that protects against cavities, tooth sensitivity, plaque, and gum disease. Because stannous fluoride is more capable of resisting bacterial acids.

However, sodium fluoride (NaF) protects only against cavities. So, the properties of stannous fluoride toothpaste make it superior to sodium fluoride toothpaste. That is why, ADA approves the benefits of stannous fluoride toothpaste, especially, the Paradontax Daily Fluoride series (Whitening, Complete Protection, and Clean Mint), Colgate Total Whole Mouth Health series (Whitening, Fresh Mint Stripe, Deep Clean, and Clean Mint), Crest Pro-Health Advanced series (Mint Burst) and Crest Pro-Health series (Gum Detoxify Plus).

Natural Toothpaste

Some of the natural toothpaste are products that offer nice and harmless ingredients. But we are also against the unconscious consumption of non-cleaning products called ‘natural’. It would be more correct to ask your dentist about this and choose the one suggested or discuss the ingredients.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Free Toothpaste

In paste selection, it is important to choose one that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and a foaming agent. These substances are used in detergents. Some of the pastes you can find in the market write ‘SLS free’ on their labels. These are safer and more harmless. As a result, products that do not contain preservatives such as parabens and detergent additives but certainly contain fluoride are healthier.

Single Color vs Multicolor (eg, striped)

One of the most important points to consider when buying toothpaste is that the paste is not in different colors. If there is bleeding in the gums while brushing, it is a crucial criterion that the paste is a white or single color in terms of understanding bleeding. Furthermore, we should not forget that each color is a chemical in a multicolor product.

Whitening Toothpaste

If we are going to choose tooth-whitening pastes, there should be no particles in the paste that will scratch the tooth surface. Because in tooth whitening pastes, it is seen that there are discolorations on the teeth caused by scratching the tooth surface.

Alcohol vs Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

There is also toothpaste used in the form of mouthwash. The features we recommend above are also valid for mouthwash. It does not matter which product you use as a mouthwash. But you should stay away from alcohol mouthwash. Because they will dry your mouth and this may cause bad breath.

Special Toothpaste

Contrary to what we know, paste is the cosmetic part of tooth cleaning. Paste is a kind of product for making brushing enjoyable. If you do not have tenderness, bleeding gums, or other special conditions (eg, bad breath), you do not need a special one.

Change the Toothpaste

There is another very important detail about toothpaste selection and use that most of us do not know. As the paste runs out, replacing it with a different one is necessary. This could be another brand or a different type of the same brand. Because a paste used may not show the same effect against bacteria in the mouth over time. It is healthier to change this in certain periods with the advice of the dentist. However, if your dentist gives specific advice, you can continue to use that same type.

Conclusion

As a result, any toothpaste will work for you, except the ones we highlighted above. So the important thing is which one makes you feel comfortable. You can choose and use the one you like the taste, smell, or any feature that is right for you. People usually choose the product which has a mint flavor. But still, use whichever one relaxes you psychologically. Price differences are not so important. All of them are doing the same job after all.