We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of brushing and flossing and we’ve even made several toothbrush recommendations, but another crucial tool in your oral health toolbox is your toothpaste and mouthwash. From toothpaste for sensitive gums to special teeth whitening toothpaste and so much more—finding the right toothpaste can feel confusing and overwhelming. So here’s everything we think you need to know about toothpaste and rinses, as well as some of our top recommendations.
- Start with fluoride.
Fluoride is an amazing cavity-fighter because it strengthens the enamel on your teeth and defends your teeth against acids that eventually cause cavities. While fluoride is found in most drinking water and will provide a major source of your daily fluoride intake, it is also important to use a toothpaste with fluoride in it. You generally can’t go wrong with the most popular brands of toothpaste such as Colgate, Crest, and Sensodyne. All these brands have the ADA Seal of Acceptance which means, among other important criteria, they all contain fluoride.
- Ditch the teeth whitening toothpastes.
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, we don’t recommend using toothpastes that promise whiter teeth. These toothpastes can be abrasive to your gums and will rub away the root surfaces a lot faster than normal toothpastes. Instead, consider getting your teeth professionally whitened. We can help get your teeth shiny and white at Cornerstone Family Dentistry by using a whitening system called Ultradent. This highly effective and simple method helps reduce stains and brightens teeth.
- A note for people with sensitive teeth.
If you have especially sensitive teeth, did you know there is a prescription toothpaste you can use that will help ease the discomfort? Whether caused by teeth whitening, gum recession, or something else, we suggest switching to a prescription toothpaste for a period of time. Talk to your dentist about this and she can determine if you need a special toothpaste and prescribe the right one for you.
- Do I need a rinse?
While rinsing your mouth with mouthwash isn’t a requirement of good oral hygiene, it is a great way to give your mouth an extra clean. Rinsing with mouthwash daily has been proven to help with common dental issues such as gingivitis, halitosis, and chronic dry mouth. While most of the over-the-counter rinses work fine, you can also make your own rinse at home by diluting one tablespoon of bleach in four ounces of water and rinsing for one minute. This is a great way to kill bacteria in your mouth. However, be aware that this rinse doesn’t taste great and you have to be careful to not get it on your clothes.
- What we recommend.
While there are plenty of great toothpastes and rinses at your local pharmacy or grocery store, our favorite brand is called Carifree. Their low abrasion fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash use a unique, patented pH technology that helps neutralize acids in your mouth while also fighting cavities. Carifree products have been scientifically proven to help with multiple dental issues such as bad breath, white spots, dry mouth, and sensitive teeth. You can purchase Carifree products at our office and we would love to tell you more about them.
Whether you think you may need a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth or you’re simply looking to boost your cavity-fighting routine, we would love to help you at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, so please schedule an appointment today.