On the shelves of stores and pharmacies, you will find a large variety of toothpastes. With such a wide selection, it’s easy to get confused and choose an unsuitable product. Here’s how to select a high-quality toothpaste.
Types of Toothpaste
When choosing, follow the recommendations of your dentist. A specialist will select a toothpaste formulation based on the specific needs of your teeth.
If you decide to choose a product on your own, it’s important to understand that toothpastes come in different types, each serving a different purpose.
Hygienic Toothpastes
These toothpastes are designed for cleaning, removing food residues, eliminating soft plaque, and freshening breath.
Suitable for those without dental problems.
Features include:
- Pleasant aroma and taste;
- Soft and homogeneous texture;
- No sugar—replaced with xylitol;
- Effective cleaning of soft plaque.
Tips:
- Choose hygienic toothpaste if you do not have any dental diseases.
- Use it to clean not only teeth but also the tongue and inner cheeks.
Fluoride Toothpastes
Fluoride toothpaste is often debated. Many ask: “Should I choose a fluoride toothpaste or not?” The answer is—it depends on the individual.
Many toothpastes contain fluoride, but only special fluoride toothpastes have a higher concentration than normal.
How fluoride affects teeth:
- Strengthens enamel and bone tissue;
- Prevents cavities or stops them at the white spot stage;
- Protects teeth from lactic acid;
- Prevents demineralization of enamel.
Warning! Excess fluoride can be harmful:
- Dental fluorosis—damage to enamel;
- Metabolism disorders;
- Impaired blood clotting, etc.
Tip:
- Check the fluoride content on the label. If it’s not specified, choose another toothpaste.
Calcium Toothpastes
This type is popular in the market. Calcium toothpaste helps:
- Reduce tooth sensitivity;
- Strengthen enamel;
- Ensure effective cleaning of teeth.
Tips:
- Check the composition. A toothpaste should not contain both calcium and fluoride together—they are effective separately, but not in the same tube.
- Alternate brushing with calcium and fluoride toothpastes.
Whitening Toothpastes
Many people expect miraculous results from whitening toothpaste. However, even the best whitening toothpaste won’t make a difference if you regularly visit the dentist, undergo professional cleaning, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Why?
The toothpaste’s role is to remove mineralized plaque. But if you clean your teeth properly and follow necessary procedures, there’s little to remove.
Another important point: not all teeth can be “whitened.” Results depend on the natural shade of your teeth.
Tips:
- If teeth have yellowing, whitening toothpaste can lighten them by 1–2 shades, making it worthwhile.
- If teeth are naturally gray or brown, whitening toothpaste won’t help. Professional whitening at a dentist’s office is required.
Therapeutic and Preventive Toothpastes
These are prescribed by a dentist and contain:
- Plant extracts and oils—to reduce inflammation and redness of gums, aid tissue regeneration;
- Minerals and salts—relieve inflammation, reduce pain, improve blood flow in gums;
- Natural additives—restore enamel;
- Substances that prevent cavities—helping to stop the development of tooth decay.
Tip:
Use therapeutic and preventive toothpastes only as prescribed by your dentist. Choose your toothpaste responsibly to avoid harming your health. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for consultation.
