Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, is available in paste, gel, and powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, there are some ingredients common to most varieties. These include: abrasive agents, flavoring, humectants for moisture retention, thickeners and detergents.

The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches which remain on your teeth after eating. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. It does this in two ways. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Second, it can reverse the early stages of acid damage by remineralizing areas that have started to decay.

Everyone has a layer of bacteria on their teeth called plaque. If plaque isn’t removed promptly with proper oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar. This hard-to-remove deposit can build up on your teeth and under your gums, ultimately leading to gum disease. Tarter Control Toothpaste helps deal with plaque. It also helps kill some of the bacteria in the mouth.

If  your teeth get easily irritated from extremely hot and cold temperature food and drinks then you probably need a  toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These chemical compounds, which can take up to four weeks to offer relief, reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking pathways through the teeth that attach to nerves.

If  you are trying to get your teeth become pearly white, then a whitening toothpaste maybe your best option. These pastes do not typically contain bleaches. Instead, they contain abrasive particles or chemicals that effectively polish the teeth or bind to stains and help pull them off the tooth surface.

Picking out the right toothpaste for you and your family maybe very complicated and overwhelming when you are in the drug or grocery store toothpaste isle. If you need a recommendation to help you figure out which paste is right for you, call 1-888-513-7436 or visit your Gentle Dental Dentist. They can help point you in the right direction!