
October 23, 2014
At Arkansas Family Dental, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best tools to achieve optimum oral health and hygiene. We believe that the more our patients know about how to take care of their smile, the more likely they are to do it right. Choosing the right toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss to meet your needs is just as vital to your health as regular dentist visits. If you experience gum pain, sensitivity, or cavities, a specially formulated toothpaste could be very beneficial if you know what to look for.
Before you purchase your next tube of toothpaste, it’s important to understand the different kinds and what they are meant to accomplish. If you are looking to achieve a particular result or have a specific health concern, there is a toothpaste option available for you.
Toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth fulfill their task by being more abrasive than other toothpastes by using ingredients like hydrated silica and sodium hexametaphosphate. These components help to loosen the film that sticks to teeth enamel and makes them look and feel dirty. This helps to maintain the natural color of your teeth despite the types of foods and drinks you consume. If you are looking for more definitive teeth whitening results, you may want to consider a cosmetic teeth whitening treatment.
Since the discovery of fluoride and its incorporation into modern dental care practices, American dental disease has decreased considerably. Using a fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities and tooth decay, which is why most anti-cavity toothpastes utilize fluoride in their formulas. Bear in mind that fluoride should not be swallowed and is not intended for children who are too young to follow that instruction.
Many people experience teeth sensitivity to heat and cold. The best toothpastes for sensitive teeth are made with the desensitizing agents potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, which block the nerve pain experienced in your teeth, so look for these ingredients on toothpaste labels. Both provide essentially equal benefits, and both are approved by the American Dental Association. If you experience an unbearable amount of pain, it could be a sign of a more serious oral condition, so contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Preventing gum disease is an important aspect of your dental care, in addition to preventing cavities and teeth pain. If you experience red or bleeding gums, an anti-gingivitis toothpaste can reduce the buildup of oral bacteria that causes your gum pain and prevent gum disease.
When it comes down to defining your hygiene routine, time spent carefully brushing your teeth is just as important as the toothpaste on your toothbrush. Your toothbrush’s bristles are key tools in preventing gum disease and cavities, so thoroughly brush every curve and crevice of your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too, as this helps prevent bad breath.
All of the best dental care products are out there if you know what you need and how to find them. When you would like to know more about choosing the right toothpaste, contact Arkansas Family Dental call 501-683-8886 to schedule an appointment that works best for you.

Call (501) 232-6273 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.