The days are gone when you could go to your local drugstore and simply buy a tube of toothpaste. Today, consumers are confronted with a dizzying and confusing array of toothpaste products that can leave you breathless.
This basic product for routine oral care comes in gel, paste and powder form. Most toothpastes contain these ingredients:
- Detergents that help spread the toothpaste through your whole mouth and clean the teeth
- Mild abrasives for removing debris and stains
- Humectants which serve to prevent water loss and keep the toothpaste from drying out or getting gummy
- Thickening agents, or binders, to stabilize the toothpaste formula
- Flavoring agents (sugar-free) that give toothpaste a little bit of sweetness and a fresh scent
That’s the simple part. From here you’ll have to decide which additional features you want in your toothpaste. You will find toothpastes, for example, for any of the following issues or combination of issues:
- Preventing decay—These products contain fluoride, a natural cavity fighter that also helps to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Fighting plaque and gingivitis—Look for active ingredients such as stannous fluoride designed to target plaque and gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.
- Whitening teeth—Toothpastes that say “whitening” on them usually contain special chemical or polishing agents that help remove more surface stains than regular toothpastes.
- Sensitivity—Desensitizing toothpastes contain compounds that help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
Regardless of the type of toothpaste you choose, always look for the ADA Seal on the package. This is your assurance that the product has met the American Dental Association’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, and that it does what it says.
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