What’s in Your Toothpaste?

what's in your toothpaste

When is comes to choosing a toothpaste, there are many options available. So how do you know what type or brand is the best choice for you?

All toothpastes with the ADA seal of approval contain an active ingredient, usually fluoride. Fluoride is a proven way to protect your teeth because of all the things it can do: it helps prevent cavities, lessens tooth sensitivity, and reduces gingival bacteria.

The Types of Fluoride:

The three most common types of fluoride are Sodium Fluoride, Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride, and Stannous Fluoride.

Sodium Fluoride is the most common and gives all of the benefits without any side effects. You’ll find this in toothpaste for both adults and children, and it’s widely considered safe.

Acidulated Phosphate is a stronger fluoride because it can etch into the tooth structure. Most of the time we use it as a semi-annual “treatment” by many dentists – it’s probably what your kids receive when they get a fluoride treatment from a Pediatric Dentist.

Stannous Fluoride has become an increasingly-popular trend for some pharmaceutical companies and focuses on bacteria reduction in the gums. An important thing to note about Stannous fluoride: while it helps in reducing bacteria, one of its side effects is a grey-brown tenacious stain usually mistaken for coffee or tea stains.

This fact is not advertised, so patients are frequently surprised to find that the stains are caused by toothpaste!  Known products that contain the ingredient are “Crest Pro Health”, “Crest Gum Detoxify”, “Parodontax” and a few select “Sensodyne” pastes. We

To find out what type of fluoride is in your toothpaste, always check the active ingredient box before purchase and consult your hygienist to find out which is best for you and your needs.

But wait … what about non-flouride toothpastes?

There’s many out there, but many sources advise against this.

To wit, a 30-year veteran of periodentistry was interviewed at the University of Utah:

“Interviewer: So if two patients identical in every way came in and one was using natural toothpaste and one was using a fluoride toothpaste, what would the differences be?

Dr. Okano: All things being equal, you would see less potential for tooth decay in the individual who was using the fluoride-containing toothpaste.”

Other organizations, such as the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization, also recommend using toothpaste with flouride.

We recommend using ADA-approved toothpastes. But if you insist on using something without flouride, look for any of these active ingredients:

  • Xylitol: A natural sweetener, it slows bacterial growth in the mouth which can lead to decay.
  • Erythritol: This is a sugar alcohol often used as an artificial food sweetener in “no sugar” foods. It does slow the rate of acid that bacteria produce.
  • Hydroxyapatite: This is primarily made of phosphorus and calcium and can help strengthen teeth’s enamel

So, what next?

Why not schedule an appointment with your local Cherry Creek dentist that has the experience to answer all of your questions – and will take the time to do so?

Because it’s not just your oral health that matters. It’s YOUR health!