Written By Dr. Kyle Griffith
If you have never experienced any dental problems like gum disease or cavities, then almost any toothpaste will do. I’m a big fan of Tom’s of Maine toothpastes. Overall, they are a responsible company and good stewards of the environment.
But what if you have had issues like cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity? Or perhaps you’re not a fluoride fan but want some extra protection for your teeth. Here are some different toothpastes that can help you on your path towards health:
Sensitivity: Try Sensodyne toothpaste. It is specifically formulated with potassium nitrate which is a very helpful ingredient to decrease tooth sensitivity, especially around the gums and roots of teeth. I commonly recommend this toothpaste for patients whose gums have receded, and they have significant root sensitivity. Do not expect overnight success. You must use the product for about a month to have any appreciable effect, as the active ingredient needs time to buildup on the teeth.
Gum Disease: Look for a toothpaste that is designed for “gum health” and contains stannous fluoride. Most toothpastes contain sodium fluoride. That’s not what you want. You’re looking specifically for stannous fluoride because this specific formulation of fluoride is moderately antibacterial. Gum disease is a bacterial infection and stannous fluoride “gum health” toothpastes can have a positive effect.
Cavities: The triple-crown of toothpastes is created by CariFree, CTx4 Gel 5000. This is absolutely the best toothpaste on the market. It is your one-stop-shop for every ingredient known to help combat cavities. It contains fluoride, calcium, phosphate, and xylitol. The teeth can actually absorb the fluoride, calcium, and phosphate back into the outer layer of the tooth structure, in essence, repairing the tooth enamel. Xylitol has been proven to be antibacterial. In addition, CTx4 Gel 5000 is formulated to create a healthier pH level in the mouth. The only problem is that you can’t get this toothpaste over the counter. The reason for this is that the fluoride concentration is much higher than an over the counter toothpaste. Contact your dentist if you think this toothpaste might work for you.
No Fluoride But I Want More Protection: I can hear the gasps now from the dental community, “What?! No Fluoride!” Ok, calm down everyone. It’s your body and health and you can decide what’s best for you. Let’s say you want to sidestep fluoride, but you still want some protection for your teeth. Try MI Paste! It contains the natural minerals found in the tooth, calcium, and phosphate. The teeth can actually absorb calcium and phosphate which strengthens the tooth enamel.
Happy brushing folks! If you have any questions about what toothpaste might be best for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of the team members at 58 Dental. We’ll help recommend a toothpaste that is right for you.
