Overview
When deciding on the best toothpaste brands, dentists and regular consumers use different criteria to rate toothpaste. The majority of the population likes toothpaste that tastes good, has a good consistency and a nice texture. They also want a clean-feeling mouth with white teeth and pleasant smelling breath after tooth brushing. Most dentists say that the best toothpaste brands offer protection against cavities, plaque and enamel softening. Plaque build-up can be especially worrisome since it will harden into tartar if not removed every day. That may lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease. Some experts say that periodontal disease can become serious, leading to other health problems such as heart trouble.
Everyone agrees that the best toothpaste brands should at least not harm teeth or gums. There are many complaints from people who have sensitivity of the teeth or mouth. A toothpaste may protect against cavities but still irritate the gums, teeth or soft tissues of the mouth. Some dentists tell their clients to avoid toothpaste with tartar-control ingredients since they may increase oral problems. In most cases, tartar will only accumulate after plaque that is not removed for more than 24 hours. Brushing frequently with a regular toothpaste containing fluoride should prevent tartar build-up.
Dentists are often skeptical of claims that some toothpastes help to make teeth whiter. Many experts agree that whitening toothpastes are not any better at stain removal than regular toothpastes. Tooth color can’t be changed by a toothpaste, the only thing it can do is eliminate stains to allow the natural color of the tooth to re-appear. The term “whitening” has not been officially defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration ) or the ADA (American Dental Association). That means that any manufacturer can put the word “whitening” on its products. If you want to whiten your teeth then don’t rely on a toothpaste, see your dentist for a professional treatment or try a home teeth whitening kit.
Many experts advise that any fluoride toothpaste used well and frequently is effective. These days, despite the controversy about fluoridated water, toothpaste containing fluoride is considered safe and essential for healthy teeth. There are numerous sources telling people that the best toothpaste brands are any that contain fluoride, particularly if the ADA has given its seal of approval.
What to Watch For
If you are looking for the best toothpaste brands, keep in mind that the texture and taste do not determine the effectiveness of a toothpaste. The ADA recommends that fluoride is the most important ingredient. Studies have revealed that fluoride can reduce cavities by up to 40%. Make sure that the ADA seal of approval is on the tube. If you choose an organic toothpaste then make sure that it has only natural flavor and color.
Best Usage
Don’t put too much toothpaste on your toothbrush. Contrary to popular images, a small, pea-sized amount is best. That amount will be plenty for cleansing your teeth. Additionally, too much toothpaste can irritate the gums and mouth from abrasive ingredients. Using less toothpaste also lessens the possibility of ingesting it, which is not recommended.
Where to Purchase
The best rated toothpaste brands such as Crest, Colgate and Tom’s of Maine can be found in most pharmacies and supermarkets. If your teeth are sensitive then Pronamel and Sensodyne are some of the best toothpaste brands and can be bought at many big drug stores lilke Walgreens, CVS and RiteAid.
Price
A high cost does not necessarily guarantee high quality. The best toothpaste brands are priced at around three dollars a tube. The best rated sensitive toothpastes are about twice that amount at six dollars. To reduce your toothpaste costs, use smaller amounts and look for specials and coupons to get the best price possible. Stock up on the best toothpaste brands when there are sales since toothpaste can be kept for over two years.
Ingredients
Fluoride is far and away the most significant ingredient in the best toothpaste brands. Oral health experts recommend using a fluoride toothpaste as a crucial way to prevent cavities. If you check the label you will see names like sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and monofluoride phosphate (MFP). Experts agree that any fluoride toothpaste will help to preserve oral health. Be aware that stannous fluoride can temporarily stain teeth but it can be avoided with correct brushing .
An ingredient that is gaining in popularity is a natural sugar called Xylitol. Studies in clinical trials prove that Xylitol helps to prevent cavities as well as gingivitis. It does not cause an increase in destructive bacteria like most sugars. The studies confirm that fluoride with xylitol can be a particularly good combination.
Recommendations
- Choose brands displaying the American Dental Association seal of approval. An ADA approved toothpaste has been shown to be safely effective for any claims on the label. The best toothpaste brands have the ADA acceptance logo. Before acceptance the ADA reviews the clinical or lab studies and scientific information. The manufacturer must pay for this service but that does not ensure the toothpaste will pass the standards since not all toothpastes get approved.
- Be wary of tartar control toothpastes. The active ingredient, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, is a proven tartar prevention agent. But it does not remove any tartar that has already formed, only a professional teeth cleaning can remove tartar build up. On top of that, tartar control formulas may irritate the mouth so that can outweigh the benefits for most people.
- Whitening toothpastes do not actually change the color of your teeth. They simply remove stains on the surface and have not been proven any more effective than regular toothpastes. Although the ADA says there are safe levels of peroxide in whitening toothpastes, a few experts caution that hydrogen peroxide can harm the gums.
- If you have tooth sensitivity then a sensitive formula toothpaste may help. They work in mild cases of mouth pain but may take from 4 to 6 weeks to show results. According to the ADA there are two ingredients that are successful in alleviating tender gums and teeth: potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. They block the nerves from transmitting pain and will help reduce sensitivity but not pain from cavities or other serious teeth problems.
- If you tend to have cankers or a sensitive mouth then choose a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Since SLS can cause problems in some people, dentists recommend trying an SLS-free toothpaste for canker sore sufferers.
- When choosing a toothpaste take into account the abrasiveness level. Crucial for plaque removal, abrasive toothpaste ingredients are generally calcium carbonate or hydrated silica. Alumina for polishing when added to the hydrated silica can be very effective. There are limits for abrasiveness set by the ADA but the range is fairly large. It may be best to err on the side of caution and choose one of the best toothpaste brands that is less abrasive.
Sources:
American Dental Association: Toothpaste
Consumer Search Toothpaste Review