Your local drugstore sports a dizzying array of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a toothpaste. With all the advertising hype on the pack of toothpaste - the promise of fresh breath! How do we know what products are actually best for fighting tooth decay, whitening or combating bad breath? Are the more expensive, dentist-designed toothpastes actually worth the money?
San Francisco Dentists suggest some points to think about when choosing toothpaste that best suits you:
Whitening: Most of the "whitening" toothpastes promise to give you the smile of a celebrity like Britney Spears or Catherine-Zeta Jones. The toothpastes that focus on whitening do help to remove stains but do not permanently whiten your teeth. In order to permanently whiten teeth, San Francisco Dentists recommend one of the new laser whitening treatments like “Zoom” that are out on the market and are proven to be most effective. Whitening products often times contain abrasives, which can remove stains, however, brushers beware as these abrasives can irritate gums and make teeth sensitive to hot and cold. Also, be wary of whitening toothpaste that has a high acid content, which negates hygiene benefits.
Helps Prevents Cavities: According to San Francisco Dentists, “Cavity fighting toothpastes are effective but a regular cleaning by your dentist is essential for fresh breath, healthy gums and teeth.” Most toothpaste nowadays contains fluoride in the product which immediately helps to fight against cavities, strengthen the enamel all the while freshening your breath. Fluoride is the single most important ingredient when choosing toothpaste.
Sensitive Teeth: Many people have sensitive teeth or easily irritated gums. When using a sensitive-tooth product, if you experience any side effects from the type of toothpaste you are using such as prolonged sensitivity, sloughing of tissue, or a burning sensation, you must discontinue use and immediately consult a professional San Francisco Dentist.
Tartar build up: For those of us who have heavy tartar/calculus build up. You should also know that many "anti-tartar" toothpastes contain phosphates, an ingredient known to cause gum irritation and inflammation in some individuals. If you experience any irritation, or sloughing of tissue, discontinue use and seek the advice of your San Francisco Dentist.
According to San Francisco Dentists, “Choosing the right product for your teeth can be baffling since there are hundreds of different products in the market promising brighter and healthier smiles. Once upon a time, one could go to the drugstore and simply choose toothpaste by brand. These days, a consumer can get lost in all the choices since they now have to pick not only a brand but a flavor and type of toothpaste including cavity fighting, tartar control, whitening or a combination of all of these.
Whether your teeth are coffee stained or sensitive, before choosing a product, San Francisco Dentists suggest first assessing exactly what your individual needs are. The type and brand of toothpaste you use is a personal choice and depends mainly on your oral health needs.
Finally, San Francisco Dentists advise consumers to, “Educate themselves on what a product's ingredients are, what effect they have on an individual's teeth, and whether or not they are necessary. People may find that they have to reassess what they have been using and spending and start again using very simple, basic products.”

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