Ever find yourself staring at all the colourful boxes of toothpaste on a store shelf wondering which one is the best for your family? Well, here are some tips that will help you make better-informed decision. The best place to begin is to read the label especially the ingredients part to identify the presence or absence of following contents:
1. 1000ppm FLUORIDE is a must.
Fluoride has anticavity action. It combines with the calcium present in the tooth and forms a layer over it which is more resistant to decay. (Example: Colgate, Pepsodent, Close Up etc.)
2. Herbal toothpastes - "Natural" doesn't always mean better.
Herbal toothpastes are effective when it comes to plaque removal but are more abrasive in nature, which means that it can erode off the protective layer of the teeth (enamel), making it more sensitive and susceptible to cavities in long run.
3. Whitening toothpastes/ Charcoal/ Baking Soda are a big NO.
These toothpastes are so harsh on the teeth that they remove not only stains but can also strip off the superficial layer of tooth. This may lead to sensitivity in long run. Therefore, if you want to use this toothpaste, it has to be used sparingly, for example may be once or twice per month.
4. Anti-sensitivity toothpaste (Sensodyne, Thermoseal, Vantage) only for sensitive teeth.
It should be used only in case of sensitivity that too for a short term!! If using it doesn’t solve your problem, it is always recommended to visit the dentist to find the root cause of sensitivity and address it at an early stage. Also, most of these products lack fluoride so it isn’t effective against decay!
When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it's important to think about your unique oral health needs. READ the label before buying your toothpaste and you can choose according to above mentioned points.
More important point is how much quantity of toothpaste is to be used. It is recommended to use a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste for adults and kids of 3+ years. For children between 0-3 years, a rice-sized smear of toothpaste should be used.