A toothpaste is a toothpaste is a toothpaste, right? Wrong! Like most things in life, there truly is a difference between different types of toothpaste. While the oral hygiene section of your local store can seem a little overwhelming at times, all of those selections exist for a reason: they’re formulated with different ingredients to optimize healthy teeth and gums.
Keep in mind, however, that there actually are very few differences between toothpaste options, barring obvious things like taste. What’s more important than anything is making sure you use any toothpaste properly and regularly.
The Main Differences Between Toothpastes
Of course, there are hundreds of boxes of toothpaste lining the rows and shelves of your grocery store. Each of them claims to have something that’s even more spectacular than every other option, but there’s usually more than meets the eye.
Whitening Toothpaste
These toothpastes are typically more abrasive than other options. The ingredients are intended to scrub the stains off your teeth.
Be aware that excessive use of ultra abrasive toothpaste can actually wear your enamel down, leading the way to sensitivity issues down the road. If you wish to have a whiter smile, talk to your dentist about the possibilities of a professional whitening treatment.
Abrasive toothpastes aren’t a good fit for everyone. For example, we advise dental implant patients in our LaSalle clinic to avoid this type of toothpaste because it can scratch exposed surfaces of the implants.
Enamel-Repair Toothpaste
Enamel-repair toothpaste essentially provides a band-aid space-filler where your teeth have indentations on the surface level of the enamel. This calcium-based formula can work for people who have minimal indentations on their teeth, as it works as a stop-gap measure, filling in the spaces temporarily. The calcium deposits quickly wash away, however.
If you have weak or eroding enamel, it’s best to talk to your dentist to determine a long-term solution that fits well for your mouth’s needs.
Sensitivity Toothpaste
Most sensitivity toothpastes are formulated with potassium nitrate, which can help dull pain, but you should talk to your dentist if you’re experiencing ongoing oral discomfort. A toothpaste can only do so much, and your pain might indicate deeper issues a medical professional should look into.
Are you looking for a LaSalle dentist who specializes in dental implants? Dre Nathalie Kadoch and her team can help! Schedule your initial consultation at Centre Dentaire today!
