What kind of toothpaste should I use?

When you walk into a store and see the dental aisle, it can feel pretty overwhelming. What used to be 4-5 types of toothpaste has grown into dozens of options, all vying for your attention. Whitening, charcoal, baking soda, tartar control, sensitivity, plaque control—the list goes on.

Fortunately, taking care of your teeth doesn’t need to be complicated. Most toothpastes have the same ingredients, but in different concentrations.

Let’s break it down into a few common categories:

1. Overall gum health and cavity protection
2. Sensitivity
3. Whitening

Toothpaste for overall gum health and cavity protection

The first category is the workhorse of the toothpaste world. These all contain fluoride, which is very important for strengthening the outer protective layer of your teeth (enamel) and preventing cavities. Fluoride gets a bad rap sometimes, but the concentration in over-the-counter toothpaste is extremely low, and the benefits are exceptional. These toothpastes will help freshen your breath (make sure you remember to brush your tongue, too!), keep your gums healthy, and promote overall oral health.

Sensitivity toothpaste

The second category is designed for people who experience sensitivity in their teeth, usually to hot and cold. The fancy term for this is “dentinal hypersensitivity,” and it is very common, especially in older adults, as their protective enamel thins and the underlying tooth structure (dentin) becomes exposed. Sensitivity toothpastes have the same ingredients as regular toothpaste, but they work by adding active ingredients such as potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, or strontium chloride to seal off those exposed areas. It can take 2-3 weeks to notice the benefits of sensitivity toothpaste, but many people notice a significant improvement with continued use.

Whitening toothpaste

Last but not least, the showstopper: whitening toothpaste. Whether you just completed some cosmetic dentistry and want to maintain your new pearly whites or are trying to get a few shades whiter, this type of toothpaste can be a valuable asset. To be clear, over-the-counter whitening toothpastes will not change the natural color of your teeth. The only way to do that is through in-office or at-home whitening treatments.

Whitening toothpastes work on the surface level in two main ways:

1. They contain abrasive particles that physically scrub surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and soda.
2. They often also contain chemicals like peroxide that help dissolve surface stains.

Some newer toothpastes also contain pigments like blue coravine, which coat the surface of the teeth in a thin bluish layer. This film acts as an optical illusion that makes the teeth appear less yellow, thereby making them appear brighter and whiter.

The biggest downside of whitening toothpastes is that they often cause tooth sensitivity. In addition, extra abrasives can cause excessive wear on the enamel, especially when combined with a firm toothbrush.

Dr. Daniel Baker: The fifth dentist

While “four out of five dentists” may recommend a particular type of toothpaste, Dr. Daniel Baker at City Point Dental can offer the final opinion by recommending a toothpaste based on your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a visit and get personalized guidance for keeping your smile healthy.