Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 based on 786 reviews
(228) 832-3231 Emergency Service Available Birdeye Reviews

What Toothpaste Should I Use?

May 5, 2022 | Blog

Using toothpaste daily to keep your teeth clean and healthy is the cheapest way to improve your smile. Depending on what your particular needs and preferences are, there is likely an oral hygiene product out on the market for you. It can be overwhelming when there are so many choices available, and the toothpaste you decide upon can have long-term effects on your mouth.

Gulf Coast Dental, your local family dentist, wants to make sure you understand the differences between each toothpaste and the impact they have on your oral hygiene. The decision will ultimately come down to the one that makes your teeth and mouth feel clean and fresh, but it is important to know how to get the most out of these inexpensive, over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Common Ingredients

Toothpaste is usually available in a gel or paste form, and most of them are made using similar ingredients.

These are some you may find in the label or description, no matter the type of toothpaste:

  • Abrasive Silicate Agents, such as calcium carbonate, hydrated silica and hydrated alumina. Their scratchy texture helps clean your teeth by removing plaque, bacteria, food and anything else your saliva can’t break down on its own.
  • Detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, that loosen other insoluble substances by foaming to remove them from your teeth.
  • Artificial sweeteners, like saccharin, so it has a better flavor, making brushing more enjoyable.
  • Thickening agents, like gums and seaweed molecules, to give it the right gooey texture.
  • Gel or paste Humectants, like glycerol, that hold moisture, keeping it — and your mouth — from drying out.

Recently, toothpastes are being released that contain more natural ingredients, like aloe vera or charcoal, which are not as beneficial. Although aloe vera has not been proven to be any more effective at fighting gingivitis and plaque, these toothpastes often lack fluoride. And despite charcoal’s extra level of abrasiveness, it does not provide extra whitening power, but can actually increase sensitivity by damaging the layer of enamel on your teeth.

Types Of Toothpaste

Flouride

The most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral. It is the main reason that cavities and tooth decay have reduced over the last 50 years.

Acid is released in your mouth when bacteria feed on starches and sugar left on your teeth after you eat. To decrease acid damage, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and remineralizes areas that have slightly begun to decay. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste protects your teeth from cracking and chipping, especially when used after consuming coffee, tea, wine, sugary drinks and smoking.

Whitening

Toothpaste with a lot of abrasive silicates or polishing chemicals is meant to remove stains from the surface of your teeth. They don’t usually contain bleaches and are regularly marketed for everyday use by people who want to make their yellow teeth look more white.

Tartar Control

When plaque builds up on teeth from bacteria and is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. This deposit is difficult to remove and can cause gum disease once it collects on teeth and under gums.

To prevent this buildup, zinc citrate, pyrophosphates, triclosan, anti-plaque agents and a lot of fluoride are added to toothpastes that control tartar and bacteria levels in your mouth.

For Sensitive Teeth

People whose teeth are irritated by cold or hot temperatures have sensitive teeth. Toothpaste with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride are designed to block the pathways to nerves in your teeth to reduce sensitivity.

Depending on the level of your discomfort, OTC toothpastes can take up to four weeks for these compounds to provide relief. If those don’t work, talk to your dentist about prescription-strength options.

Gulf Coast Family Dentist

If you still aren’t sure which toothpaste is best for you, give us a call! Since 1969, Gulf Coast Dental Care has provided the best personalized dental care to residents of Gulfport, Mississippi with early detection of issues, precise treatment and customized restorations. Practicing good dental hygiene habits at home keeps your teeth healthy, functional and attractive, while avoiding expensive procedures later in life.

Contact us today for tips, to set up an oral hygiene appointment or to learn about our services and state-of-the-art treatment technologies!

Why Choose Us?

Gulf Coast Dental has been Gulfport's preferred, professional dental service since 1969.

Learn More
handshake icon
BBB Accredited Business
Gulf Coast Dental is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
award medal and ribbon icon
Award Winning Service
Gulf Coast Dental has the highest quality services available for your Gulf Coast dental needs.
a pair of people from the shoulders up icon
Professional Staff
Gulf Coast Dental has been recognized for having distinguished and friendly staff members.
thumbs up icon
Hassle-Free
Gulf Coast Dental is committed to a positive, hassle-free experience in our clinic.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Extremely Understanding

Not a good dental patient but good experience. All were extremely understanding and calming and great block. Took 7 years to venture to a new dentist after losing ours and very happy and comfortable with the choice.

Deborah K.

Exceed Expectations

I absolutely love Gulf Coast Dental Care. Everyone is professional, friendly, skilled and helpful. Relaxed, timely, personal, outstanding. I’ve been a patient for years and they have never failed to exceed expectations. Love these folks.

David W.

Best Dentist Office on the Coast!

Best dentist office on the coast! The crew is always so nice and professional! If you want a pearly white smile I highly recommend you go see the great staff at Gulf Coast Dental Care!

Myles M.

Very Comfortable Experience

My first time visiting Gulf Coast Dental for a cleaning today. Check in was quick and seamless and Hong was a fabulous hygienist! Dr. Webb was very kind and professional. Very comfortable experience. 🙂

Blakeley R.

Highly Recommended

My husband was there this morning for his root canal. He’s very pleased of his experience. Parking was very accessible. Very friendly staff. We love Dr Webb and our Dental Hygienist(Hong)!Highly recommended

Fernanda B.

Fabulous Staff!

Fabulous staff! Drs, Hygienists, assistants, and front office. Everyone is wonderful. My son especially loves his hygienist! 😊

Jennifer K.

They Care About Your Experience

Dr Sutton and The Staff are cool,calm, and collected. They care about your experience and do a very good job putting you at ease. I’m very pleased.

Allen J.