A Guide to Toothpaste from a Family Dentist

Most family dentists say brushing twice a day is one of the most important parts of good oral hygiene. Using the right toothpaste is equally important. Brushing removes bacteria, food particles and debris from teeth surfaces and the tongue.

Oral bacteria feast on food particles and they excrete acids that eat away at teeth enamel. This eventually leads to the formation of tiny holes called cavities on teeth. Left untreated, these holes will continue to expand until they critically damage the tooth. Brushing regularly helps to prevent the process of tooth decay from occurring.

A family dentist helps you find the right toothpaste

With so many different types of toothpaste to choose from nowadays, figuring out the right one for you can be quite the challenge. It comes down to your unique dental health and what your teeth need the most protection against. Here are the most common types of toothpaste our family dentist recommends:

• Anti-cavity: Anti-cavity toothpaste is infused with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize teeth. It can prevent tooth decay or stop it from worsening by serving as a barrier between teeth and the acids in the mouth
• Tartar control: These are great for keeping plaque and tartar from building up on teeth. Tartar is calcified plaque and it can lead to gum disease. A tartar control toothpaste contains ingredients that protect against tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing. It requires teeth cleaning
• Whitening: These contain abrasive ingredients that remove stains from teeth surfaces. This type of toothpaste will not drastically change the color of a person's teeth, but it can help to maintain its color
• Desensitizing: These can help to alleviate teeth sensitivity to hot and cold foods. It adds a protective layer to dentin which helps to protect it against minor tooth sensitivity. People with severe tooth sensitivity should see a dentist immediately. It might be a sign of an infection
• Kid's toothpaste: These are recommended for children under 12. They are formulated for milk teeth and are not toxic if accidentally swallowed since they contain less fluoride than adult toothpaste. Toothpaste made for children comes in a variety of flavors that make brushing a fun experience for kids. Not sure why no one has figured out adults might want to use apple-flavored toothpaste and other fun flavors as well
• Natural toothpaste: Here is a great option for those who would rather avoid fluoride. Natural toothpaste will help to remove food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces, but it does not protect against cavities, since fluoride is not added to these products

Keep those teeth clean

Brushing twice a day and flossing daily protects your teeth against tooth decay. Visiting a dentist twice a year will provide an additional level of protection, allow for the early detection of developing problems and give the dentist a chance to perform preventative treatments. Call or visit our Sterling clinic to set up an appointment with us.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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