Toothpaste: The Good, the Bad, and the Maybe (2024)

Supposedly, fourout offivedentists agree. If that is the case, then why is it so confusing to walk down the toothpaste aisle? With dozens of brands and varieties promising everything from white teeth to healthy gums to fresh breath, it’s hard to make an informed choice. When did toothpaste get so complicated? It’s time to ignore all the packaging and marketing and get back to basics.

Toothpaste has a pretty simple job to do. The best way to select a toothpaste is to look at some of the common ingredients, both good and bad, and consider their purpose.

The Good

To be effective at maintaining oral health, toothpaste needs to provide two things: fluoride protection and fresh breath.

FluorideProtection

Above all else,toothpaste delivers topical fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride is nature’s way of repairing small areas of demineralization in the enamel before they become full-blown cavities requiring fillings,and fluoride toothpaste is the best way to get it.

Fresh Breath

Toothpastes contain flavoring agents to give that fresh feeling. It’s more of a cosmetic benefit than a dental health concern, but nobody’s a fan of bad breath. If you are choosing a product that has the American Dental Association seal of approval, you can be assured that it will not contain any decay inducing sugars.

The Bad

When choosing oral care products, there is one major ingredient to avoid if you want to preserve and strengthen enamel:

Abrasive Particles

Mild abrasives in toothpaste are used to break up plaque and debris. This grit is usually hydrated silica. The level of abrasiveness depends on the size and shape of these particles. Whitening toothpastes, for example, are highly abrasive and should be avoided.

They arenot effectiveatwhitening,andthey can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Recent studies have shown that the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) of toothpaste has a more direct link to gum recession and tooth wearthanthe stiffness of toothbrushes or the method of brushing.

Be sure to avoid any toothpastes that contain activated charcoal. Too often, unregulated toothpastes containing extremely harsh particles end up causing serious enamel damage and permanent discoloration.

The Maybe

There are several ingredients in toothpastes that can be beneficial but are mostly unnecessary. As long as these ingredients don’t appear in conjunction with abrasive particles and still provide fresh breath and plaque defense, the toothpaste should be an adequate option.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a soap that gives many types of toothpaste a foamy texture. The foaminess may feel good, but SLS is superfluous. It is the mechanical action of the toothbrush that cleans the teeth. In addition, some individuals are sensitive to this ingredient and get ulcers in their mouth as a result.

Desensitizers

People who suffer from sensitive teeth can get some palliativerelieffrom a common desensitizer called potassium nitrate, which is oftenfound in toothpaste for sensitive teeth.However, if there is pain coming from a cavity or infection, only your dentist can help.

Antimicrobials

When toothpastes market antibacterial properties and effectiveness in treating gum disease, they often contain Triclosan. There are some studies that suggest Triclosan helps reduce gingivitis, but there is also some recent research that calls its safety into question. The bottom line is that if you are brushing properly and getting the germs off your teeth, Triclosan is probably an unnecessary additive.

Suitable Oral Care Products

More important than the toothpaste you use is the time and effort you put into brushing and flossing properly. Nonetheless, here are a few products recommended byVerber Family Dentistry:

• Forpeoplewithtooth sensitivity, Sensodyne ProNamel has a low RDA, no SLS, and contains potassium nitrate.
• For old fashionedpeople, Colgate Regular is time tested and has a low RDA.
• Forpeoplewith dry mouth, Biotene toothpaste has a low RDA, no SLS, and helps moisten.
• Forpeoplelookingfornatural ingredients, Tom’s of Maine Clean and Gentle with Fluoride has a low RDA and no SLS.

Get Further Recommendations FromVerber Family Dentistry

It’s not always easy to know what choices to make for your oral health, so you need a dental care team you can trust. Call 717-737-4337 or use ouronline contact formto learn more about Verber Family Dentistry’s award-winning dental services today.

Written by: Dr. Michael Verber, DMD

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