Toothpaste – what should I be looking for?

What do you need when brushing your teeth? Toothbrush, toothpaste and you’re ready to go? Yes, but as we all know there is a bit more to it than that, so what should you be looking for when choosing a toothpaste?

Dental hygiene often has an entire aisle dedicated to it in supermarkets and pharmacies with a huge array of choice.

While part of this will be made up by specialist accessories there is still a lot of room for a wide variety of toothpaste.

The most important factor as a general rule with toothpaste is that it contains fluoride, which has strongly been shown to help reduce decay by strengthening enamel.

How much fluoride should there be in toothpaste?

Fluoride can be found in varying amounts in toothpaste but the recommended level for adults should be between 1,350 to 1,500ppm. Children aged under three are advised to use toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride and children over six years old, more than 1,000ppm.

There are other factors that people may want to consider, in particular those who suffer with mouth ulcers may want to avoid toothpaste with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) as it is thought to increase the number of outbreaks.

While fluoride is the main consideration and a good quality all purpose toothpaste will suit most people who maintain a good hygiene routine, people can still chose to opt for specialist toothpastes.

People who suffer with sensitive teeth may choose to use a toothpaste that specifically helps to reduce sensitivity by protecting enamel.

Personal taste

Whitening toothpastes remain a popular option as they can help to reduce light staining, although people choosing to use these need to watch out for any signs of gum irritation or increased sensitivity.

Otherwise the main concern when it comes to choosing the right toothpaste for you is the taste – and the better it tastes the more you are likely to enjoy brushing your teeth, which is particularly important for children.

As long as your toothpaste has adequate levels of fluoride and will tackle the build up of plaque, the choice is down to personal preference on taste.

Toothpaste – what should I be looking for?

If you have any concerns about your dental health, even if it’s just to discuss your chosen toothpaste, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Bhandal Dental Practice. We register private and NHS patients - please call the team on 024 7668 6690.