Skip to main content

Toothpaste 101: Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Oral Health

Toothpaste is important to oral health because it helps remove plaque and bacterial build-up on teeth and fight periodontal (gum) disease. Most toothpaste also contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and fights cavities. How do you know what toothpastes suit you the most? Let’s find out.

The exact composition of different kinds of toothpaste may vary slightly depending on the benefits touted by a particular brand, such as whitening teeth or reducing gum inflammation. In general, toothpaste includes the following ingredients:

With the dizzying array of toothpaste choices in the drugstore, you practically need a PhD to navigate the dental aisle!

When choosing toothpaste, your first order of business is to make sure the product is safe and will do what it claims. Toothpaste containing fluoride are regulated by the FDA since they make disease-fighting claims.

Toothpaste without fluoride is considered “cosmetic” and does not fall under FDA supervision. However, these products should still have a list of ingredients. To avoid counterfeit or unregulated products, steer clear of any toothpaste that doesn’t state ingredient information.

Confused shoppers can look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This indicates that the manufacturer participates in voluntary testing programs to gauge the product’s safety and effectiveness. Any toothpaste containing sugar will not get the ADA seal.

Still fuzzy? Ask Dr. Gowan or Dr. Hall about the toothpaste that’s right for your teeth! Call us for an appointment today at (713) 840-7179 or request an appointment.

You Might Also Enjoy...

It’s Time to Head Back to School!

Summer is winding down and for many of us, it’s time to head back to school… Have you had your teeth cleaned and checked for a great “back-to-school smile?”

Let’s Talk about Fluoride!

Nearly all naturally occurring water sources contain fluoride – a compound that has been proven to prevent and even reverse tooth decay. Cavities are caused by certain bacteria in the mouth.

Four Summertime Super Foods – Bon Appetit!

Mangoes – About a cup of mangoes supplies 100% of your Vitamin C, 1/3 of your Vitamin A, a decent dose of blood-pressure-lowering potassium and 3 grams of fiber. Bonus: Mangoes are one of the fruits least likely to have pesticide residue.

Water is the Ultimate Sports Drink!

Here are the facts: Kids 4 – 8 yrs old should drink 57 oz. of water daily. Boys 9 – 13 yrs old should drink 81 oz. of water daily. Girls of the same age need 71 oz. daily.

Oral Cancer Awareness

Oral cancer is one of the few types of cancer that has not experienced a significantly reduced mortality rate in the past 30 years. In fact, the number of North Americans developing oral cancer is three times (3x) ...

Smile… You’ll Live Longer

“Choose to be optimistic,” said one renowned religious leader. “It feels better.” New research suggests he’s right! Cheerful people have fewer heart attacks, fewer strokes, and better cholesterol levels.