Ultimate Toothpaste Guide: All You Need to Know to Maintain a Healthy Smile
On the surface, toothpaste seems easy to decipher. Just grab a tube and go. But with the ever growing number of choices out there is it really that cut and dry?
Let’s find out…
Ultimate Toothpaste Guide: All You Need to Know to Maintain a Healthy Smile
Best Selling Toothpaste In the US (in millions)
- Crest 3D White — $180.7
- Colgate Total — $178.7
- Sensodyne — $171.4
- Sensodyne ProNamel — $136.1
- Colgate Optic White — $143.8
- Colgate — $122.7
- Crest — $112.2
- Colgate Max Fresh — $88.5
- Crest Pro-Health — $86.2
- Crest Whitening plus Scope — $82
Toothpaste Facts You Might Not Know
- Before toothpaste people used pumice, eggshells, twigs and even just their own fingers!
- Up until 1850 toothpastes were powders that contained soap and chalk
- Toothpaste can help dry out zits
- Toothpaste can remove tarnish from silver jewelry
- Seaweed gives toothpaste the consistency it needs to be squeezed on your brush
Different Types of Toothpaste
- Anti-cavity — A majority of options will contain fluoride. It adds a layer of protection to your teeth. Can be harmful if swallowed regularly.
- Tartar Control — Best choice to control tartar build up before it turns to plaque, which is harder to remove
- Sensitive Formula — Best if you experience pain / discomfort when eating and drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Anti-gingivitis — Helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis at its source.
- Whitening — These are common, but aren’t the safest option. They usually contain abrasive ingredients and can wear down enamel.
- Natural — Contain only natural ingredients like bamboo, stevia extracts, baking soda and peppermint oil
- For Kids — Training toothpastes are designed to be swallowed. Children’s formula is best for older kids, as it typically has less fluoride and kid flavors
Note About Fluoride
- Receiving increasing scrutiny in recent years
- Benefits of fluoride coding can be eliminated by chewing
- Children can swallow more to face what is recommended for an entire day from all sources.
- Be sure to ask your dentist for their thoughts on fluoride.
“One of the greatest benefits of toothpaste is fluoride. While some people prefer to avoid this mineral, toothpaste is a good way to expose your teeth to a little fluoride without ingesting it into your system. Brush and rinse thoroughly for a safe, effective way to protect your dental health.”
If Toothpaste Is Good… Is Even More Better?
- Using more than a pea-sized squirt can do more harm than good
Damage tooth enamel - Heightened sensitivity
Toxic Ingredients To Avoid
- Triclosan
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Propylene Glycol
- Diethanolamine
- Microbeads
Try Making Your Own!
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 tsp sea salt (fine)
- 1 – 2 tsp peppermint extract
- Filtered water to consistency desired
Options to Store Homemade Toothpaste
- Plastic tubes
- Glass jars
- Plastic containers
- https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-toothpaste/
- http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/fun_dental_facts.htm
- http://www.toothzonenetwork.com/ultimate-guide-toothpaste/
- http://weirdfactss.com/2013/10/12-interesting-toothpaste-facts/
- http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/03/homemade-toothpaste-thats-just-like-earthpaste/
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suzette-standring/too-much-toothpaste-damag_b_110419.html
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/09/09/toxic-toothpaste-ingredients.aspx
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/195650/leading-us-toothpaste-brands-in-2007-and-2008-based-on-sales/
- http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2014-archive/october/survey-finds-shortcomings-in-oral-health-habits
From tooth extractions to wisdom teeth problems and everything in between, we’re here to help you if you need an immediate dentist, we can even help if you don’t have dental insurance. Get help finding weekend dentists by checking out our list of Sunday Dentists. Our website is filled with dentists that can cater to what you need. If you are a loved one has any special needs, we can help you find the perfect special needs dentist. Dentists for autistic patients or Down syndrome patients are available to you and we are dedicated to helping you find the right one.
References
Medically Fact-Checked & Written by Our Dental Editorial Team
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Author, Dentist
Greg Grillo
DrGreg@emergencydentistsusa.comDr. Greg Grillo has two decades expertise as a dental practitioner including serving as a dental officer in the Navy. His combined passion for dental marketing and knowledge of dental software, makes him a valuable asset to our team.
Entrepreneur, Dental marketing expert
Michael Plambeck
mike@emergencydentistsusa.comMichael Plambeck is an entrepreneur and dental marketing expert based in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a professional with decades of experience in content marketing and web development, Mike is passionate about providing a better resource for those in need of emergency dental care.