How to choose the best toothpaste? This is a question frequently asked by our patients during their dental clinic visit. While a wide selection of products are available in store, it can be difficult to distinguish which ones are optimal for you. And no, not all toothpastes are equally effective! In order to adequately inform yourself about the best of them offered on the market, it is important to get to know the ingredients that make them up.

What ingredients are in toothpaste?

There are many types of toothpastes. Generally, the basis of manufacturing consists of ingredients that fall into three categories: abrasives, cleaning surfactants and fluorides. These active elements all have different functions and purposes.

First of all, abrasive agents allow teeth to be gently polished during the mechanical action of your manual brushing. Thanks to their fine particles, these agents can help clean food colorings, remove plaque and therefore fight tartar as well.

Cleaning surfactants, for their part, are used to clean teeth thanks to their detergent effect. They are the ones that foam the toothpaste. It is a function which, although it has no direct use for oral health, is generally appreciated by users for the “hygienic” feeling it provides.

The most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. This mineral has the power to strengthen tooth enamel, making them less vulnerable to acid attacks from microbes in the mouth. It is therefore important to choose a toothpaste that contains enough of it, in order to obtain the desired protective effect against dental caries.

Other ingredients are frequently found in the composition of toothpastes, notably binders or thickeners, which determine the viscosity. Aromatics, such as mint or anise, are added, as well as humectants, to keep the consistency of the paste sufficiently liquid. These vary depending on the ranges and brands of toothpaste. Taking a little time to read the list of ingredients found on the packaging of the products you buy is therefore not a waste of time.

What toothpastes should you avoid?

On a general basis, it is not recommended to use fluoride-free toothpaste on a daily basis, as this type of product is less effective in protecting your teeth from cavities and other problems. However, it is important to note here that excess fluoride, particularly in children, can lead to tooth discoloration. Following the recommendations issued by your oral health professional is therefore essential.

The use of toothpastes that are too abrasive, especially over a long period, should be avoided due to the risk of irreversible consequences on the enamel of your teeth. These pastes, some of which call themselves “whitening”, can lead to excessive wear of your enamel, consequently weakening your teeth in the face of acid attacks.

Not sure if your favorite toothpaste is too abrasive? Our team of dentists is knowledgeable about the products currently available on the market and can inform you about them.

What is the best toothpaste?

A good toothpaste should help remove food debris on and between your teeth, fight cavities and remove plaque, without damaging your tooth enamel. Above all, it is a product that you enjoy using, which encourages you to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

How to optimize your oral health?

It is important to remember that, although toothpaste is essential, it is only one element among all the actions required for good dental hygiene. Respecting the frequency of brushing your teeth, as well as using dental floss, eating a regular healthy diet and mastering good brushing technique, are some elements which, combined, make it possible to achieve optimal dental care.

Additionally, each patient is unique. This is why it always remains relevant to consult your dentist before choosing your dental hygiene products. We are particularly thinking here of a history of allergies to some of the ingredients mentioned above.

For sensitive teeth, special toothpaste?

Yes, there are special products for different issues. You may suffer from pre-existing dental problems, have sensitive teeth or weakened gums. Your dentist can advise you on the products that are best suited to your specific condition, and to monitor their progress.

The key to success lies in initiating and implementing good habits into your oral care routine. Incorporating quality dental hygiene products can make a huge difference to the health of your teeth in the long term.

Our team is here to support you when making this type of decision, as well as for any follow-up checks.

With good advice, it’s a lot easier than it seems!

Make an appointment now.