What Toothpaste Should I Use?

Amazon offers more than 10,000 toothpaste options! Your choice depends on what you want it to do for you.  There are many good choices, and some you should avoid.  I’ll try to give you the information you need to narrow your selection and end up with the best result.

First, let’s get rid of some.  Do not use a toothpaste that contains charcoal.  They are too abrasive and will wear out your teeth.  Also avoid toothpastes with Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS).  It may inhibit healing and aggravate canker sores.

That narrows the field, but there are still many choices.  The right one depends on your goal.

If you wish to strengthen enamel and reduce cavities, pick a brand that features hydroxyapatite, fluoride, and xylitol.  Broadly, these agents facilitate refilling areas that have been eroded by acid.

If you want to help reduce sensitivity, look for potassium nitrate, hydroxyapatite, stannous fluoride, and NovaMin.  All of them work by plugging the tiny tubules that lead to the nerves of your teeth.  Anecdotally NovaMin works the best of these options, however, it isn’t sold in the US because FDA requirements are cost-prohibitive.  Buy it online, from anywhere else in the world you choose to support.

If you are working to cure gingivitis, the type of toothpaste has a very low impact.  It is far more important to concentrate on good brushing and flossing technique.  There are many ingredients that purport to reduce inflammation, but they may have a negative impact on your oral and gut microbiome, and it is highly questionable if they make a big difference, so I advise against them.  However, some essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, orange, and tea tree have been shown to reduce inflammation without harming microbiomes, so try those if you really want help with gingivitis (but focus on your brushing and flossing!)

If you are at risk for decay, an antimicrobial may be right for you.  Look for xylitol, silver, or chlorhexidine.  But it’s best to use these with help from your dentist as too much could harm your microbiomes.

If you suffer from dry mouth, look for humectants such as glycerol, propanediol, and sodium hyaluronate.  The moisture these attract to your teeth will help protect them from environmental acids in your food and drink.

If your goal is to remove stain and plaque, toothpaste with bentonite clay, baking soda, silica, or magnesium carbonate could help.  Those substances are all mild abrasives that should be able to scrub off the unsightly material without harming your teeth.  Just be careful not to over do it.

If you are looking for help to freshen your breath, find Closys and TheraBreath.  Each have several ingredients that neutralize odor.  Be sure to use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria from the giant spongy carpet in your mouth.

If you are looking for whiter teeth, it is better to look elsewhere.  Whitening toothpastes generally use some form of peroxide.  However, the contact time of the peroxide to tooth is very short and the concentration is low, so it is unlikely to make a noticeable color change.

Here’s a tooth-saving tip if you like food or drink with an acid bite, that bite softens enamel.  A pH of 5.5 and below will dissolve enamel.  You might think you would want to brush that acid off right away after eating, but it is actually better to wait 30 minutes.  Your saliva can then buffer the acid and help wash it away without forcing it into contact with more of your teeth.  In general, we want you to avoid products with a pH less than 5.5.  Ask me for a test strip if you’d like to check your favorite food or beverage.

Whatever toothpaste you pick, the best way to use it is to floss, brush, DON’T RINSE off the toothpaste, then go to bed.  And remember, you only need a pea-sized dab of toothpaste, not the long snake you see used in toothpaste ads!

Here are some of the products we like in general, and where you can get them (though most are available other places, too).

https://cocofloss.com
https://elementasilver.com
https://www.boka.com
https://davids-usa.com
https://www.hello-products.com
https://www.amazon.com/Sensodyne-Novamin-Repair-Protect-Canadian
https://www.biotene.com
https://carifree.com/product/gel-1100/
https://wonderoralwellness.com/


Of course, when you come see us for teeth cleanings, we are more than happy to help you pick out a product that is just right for your particular needs!