Everyone’s mouth is different, so there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all toothpaste. But what kind should you choose? You can find anything from whitening toothpaste and formulas for tooth sensitivity to tartar control options and kid’s toothpaste. Using the right toothpaste for your dental needs can boost your oral health and make your smile the brightest it can be.
To help you personalize your dental care, here is a look at the different types of toothpaste available and which kinds are the best for your teeth. After reading this toothpaste guide, you’ll be able to navigate the toothpaste aisle with confidence.
What Types of Toothpaste Exist?
In the world of toothpaste, you have plenty of options. Take a look at the descriptions of these eight toothpaste types.
1. Standard Toothpaste
Standard toothpaste is simply intended to clean the average person’s teeth. Although we most frequently think of it as a paste, regular toothpaste can come in gel or powder form as well as a paste. In general, all toothpaste varieties contain the same basic components:
- Mild abrasive: Combined with the strength of your toothbrush, mild abrasives help remove residue and scrub away surface stains.
- Detergent: The fun foam that develops as you brush is due to the toothpaste’s detergent, which also helps to clean teeth and spread the toothpaste through your mouth.
- Thickening agents: Also referred to as binders, these components work to stabilize the toothpaste formula.
- Flavoring agents: These ingredients make your toothpaste taste minty fresh and slightly sweet without using sugar, which can lead to tooth decay.
- Humectants: These help to prevent water loss so that your toothpaste doesn’t get gummy or dry out.
2. Tartar Control Toothpaste
Plaque is a thin film that develops on your teeth when your saliva mixes with particles from the foods and drinks you consume. If plaque isn’t properly removed, it can build up and harden into tartar, which can lead to gum disease over time. Tartar control toothpaste is typically made with the natural cavity-fighting mineral, fluoride, and other chemical compounds to help remove excess plaque prevent potential tartar buildup.
3. Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth is designed for those whose teeth are especially sensitive to hot or cold substances. Sensitive teeth toothpaste is different from standard toothpaste by adding potassium nitrate to its blend, which serves to reduce the painful sensations that often come with having sensitive teeth.
4. Smoker’s Toothpaste
Because tar can develop yellowish-brown patches on teeth, those who smoke tobacco regularly tend to have stains on some or all of their teeth. For this reason, smoker’s toothpaste was specifically created for those who smoke tobacco. It normally contains special cleansing agents that help make the teeth look whiter.
5. Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste
Some people can develop tooth stains from routinely drinking certain beverages like coffee, tea, or soda, while others are simply naturally more susceptible to tooth stains. Whitening toothpaste can help lessen the appearance of stains or remove them altogether thanks to the special cleansers and abrasives they contain.
6. Enamel Repair Toothpaste
If you have damaged or brittle enamel, enamel repair toothpaste consists of calcium-based substances intended to replace and strengthen the tooth’s surface layer of enamel. However, the material that enamel repair toothpaste deposits on the surface of a tooth tends to be quickly and easily removed, so the long-term effects of enamel repair toothpaste are usually negligible.
7. Herbal Toothpaste
Some people are sensitive to certain ingredients found in regular types of toothpaste and prefer an herbal-based alternative. Others opt for an herbal toothpaste because they simply want a more natural cleanser. If you’re considering switching to an herbal toothpaste, it’s important to note that they may not include fluoride.
8. Kid’s Toothpaste
To help kids get excited about brushing their teeth, many types of kid’s toothpaste come in enticing flavors such as bubblegum, watermelon, or strawberry. Kid’s toothpaste often has less abrasiveness than adult varieties since children’s teeth are more sensitive. They also contain less fluoride because kids are more likely to swallow the toothpaste as they brush. You can find kid’s toothpaste without any fluoride, too.
What Type of Toothpaste Is Best for My Teeth?
Each type of toothpaste comes with its own set of benefits, but not every kind is meant for every brusher. Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may need a specialized type of toothpaste.
Check out this guide on how to choose toothpaste based on your dental needs:
- Cavity-prone: If you tend to develop cavities easily, look for a toothpaste that has a high amount of fluoride in it to fight tooth decay. Be sure to avoid any sugary flavoring agents that contribute to tooth decay as well.
- Weak enamel: Although you can get toothpaste marked as enamel repair, any toothpaste with a substantial amount of fluoride in it can help strengthen your enamel.
- Whitening: If you want your teeth to have that extra sparkle and shine, choose a whitening toothpaste. Whether you have an event coming up or simply want to look your best, whitening toothpaste can help polish your teeth and make them stand out.
- Desensitizing: If you cringe every time your teeth touch cold ice cream or hot tea, use a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth. It can help make brushing more bearable and provide a bit of relief when you’re eating and drinking.
- Plaque: Tartar control toothpaste can be ideal if you have high levels of plaque.
- Gum disease: Because gum disease stems from plaque, tartar control toothpaste can help if you are suffering from a gum disease like gingivitis.
- Sensitivity and cavity-prone: If your teeth are both prone to cavities and sensitive to extreme temperatures, try using an antimicrobial toothpaste that contains stannous fluoride, an antibacterial agent that delivers both sensitivity and anti-tooth decay benefits.
No matter which type of toothpaste you choose, make sure the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is on its packaging. The ADA Seal denotes that the toothpaste both does what it advertises and meets the ADA criteria for effectiveness and safety. Along with the ADA Seal, look for a toothpaste that contains at least some fluoride because it can help strengthen your teeth and protect your enamel. If you would like fluoride-free toothpaste for yourself or for your kids, talk to your dentist about ways to still keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Ask AZ Family Dental About Which Toothpaste Is Right for You
If you’re feeling uncertain about what kind of toothpaste would be best for your teeth or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of toothpaste options available to you, contact AZ Family Dental to discuss which variety would be most beneficial for you. At AZ Family Dental, we treat each of our patients like family. We love working with our fellow Glendale, AZ, community members and would be happy to help you select a toothpaste type and dental plan to enhance your oral health.
For modern dentistry done right, call AZ Family Dental today.
