5 Types Of Dentist Recommended Toothpaste

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A close up of a toothpaste on a toothbrush

There are quite a few pastes out there — many types, in fact. You got your school paste, your curry and tomato paste, your cut and paste, and of course, your toothpaste. Let's focus on that last one, shall we? There are many different types of toothpaste to serve different purposes. Some whiten, some desensitize, some prevent, and pretty much all of them freshen and protect. But which is right for you?

Should you be choosing a specific kind of toothpaste to keep your oral health finely tuned? Yeah, you probably should. Check out the types of toothpaste below to figure out which is best for you and your smile.

What Does Fluoride Toothpaste Do?

Dentists recommend many types of toothpaste. But probably the number 1 dentist recommended toothpaste is fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in nearly all toothpaste and can:

Prevent cavities by hardening your tooth enamel
Protect and strengthen your teeth against decay

What Does Children's Toothpaste Do?

If you can make brushing the teeth of your little one fun, you're ahead of the curve. There are various toothpaste flavors and fun designs on the tubes and brushes to make sure there are more brushing and less bawling. According to the American Dental Association, there are also a few things you should know about your children's toothpaste, specifically amount and fluoride.

For children under 3-years-old, use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
For children 3-6 years old, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste

What Does Tartar Control Toothpaste Do?

Before answering what tartar control toothpaste does, let's first answer what tartar is. Tartar forms because a buildup of plaque (full of bacteria) has hardened to your teeth. A cleaning from your dental professional should do the trick to remove all of your tartar. Routine brushing and flossing can also go a long way to preventing tartar from forming and stop gum disease. If your dental team has mentioned tartar buildup, try a tartar control toothpaste to help prevent:

Plaque formation
Tooth decay
Gum disease

What Does Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Do?

Is hot coffee or a cold milkshake causing pain and discomfort with your teeth? Then you probably have sensitive teeth. There's rarely an exact source, but most tooth sensitivity stems from an exposed root or weakened enamel. If this sounds like you, a desensitizing toothpaste could help by providing:

Long-lasting relief to hot or cold drinks and foods
Fluoride to battle cavities
Tooth whitening benefits

What Does Whitening And Breath Freshening Toothpaste Do?

Two things often go hand-in-hand with a beautiful smile — straight and white teeth. Talk to your orthodontist about the first one. Concerning the second, whitening toothpaste can be a big help. Speak with your dental team about which kind of whitening toothpaste is right for you, as some:

Help fight stains using baking soda
Help lighten the color of your teeth with peroxide
Provide the toothpaste trifecta: teeth whitening, breath freshening, and decay prevention

The right toothpaste is out there for you. You can keep trying this one or that one. You can also talk to your dental team to get their professional opinion on the toothpaste best-suited for your teeth and mouth. Whichever toothpaste you decide on, proper and regular brushing and flossing is the key ingredient. Doing your research and caring enough to find the right toothpaste for you is the best indicator that you on the right path to a healthy smile.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.