Choosing toothpaste to maintain good dental health was once a simple matter. There were a few name brands that people picked, primarily on the basis of taste preference. Today, store shelves are filled with a wealth of choices, and sometimes, consumers can become confused by the various options. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry offers a brief rundown on the types of toothpastes that are available and what they may offer for your individual needs.
Fluoride Toothpastes
You can find a number of different toothpaste brands that contain fluoride, which can help strengthen tooth enamel to resist cavities. Fluoride has been used for many years as an effective compound to reduce the number of cavities in children and adults. If you are susceptible to getting cavities, you may wish to choose this type of toothpaste. However, once a cavity has started, fluoride toothpaste will not stop the ongoing damage. Visit your dentist at the Toothbar at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry regularly to manage these minor problems.
Tartar Control Toothpastes
Tartar is a hard, crusty deposit that forms from daily use of your teeth. It can cause discoloration, unpleasant breath and undermine tooth stability. Your Invisalign downtown Austin dentist may recommend you get frequent teeth cleaning procedures because you tend to collect a great deal of tartar on your teeth. In this case, tartar control toothpaste may be the best option for your needs. This type of toothpaste uses a combination of tartar-removing chemicals to help scrub tartar from teeth. Brushing twice each day and flossing daily can help to remove damaging tartar from teeth.
Whitening Toothpastes
Staining or yellowing of the teeth may be a concern for some individuals. Some people may have darker or yellowish teeth due to hereditary factors. Foods and drinks can also cause staining or yellowing of the teeth. Whitening toothpastes helps reduce staining and discoloration. However, some of the chemicals in whitening toothpastes can cause mouth discomfort. Your cosmetic dentist downtown Austin TX can offer a number of options for whitening your teeth.
Sensitivity Toothpastes
Some people’s teeth are naturally sensitive, or they may develop thinning enamel or receding gums that cause discomfort from hot or cold foods. A cracked tooth, broken filling or other problems can also cause sensitivity. Your dentist can help find the source of the problem. Sensitivity toothpaste contains specific chemicals, such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which can help reduce sensitivity in just a few weeks. Your Invisalign downtown Austin dentist can offer other treatment options for this problem.
Combination Toothpastes
You can also find toothpastes that offer a combination of features. This type of toothpaste can help you avoid spending money on several different types of toothpaste for different needs. However, they may not contain sufficient compounds to help your specific problem.
If you are trying to manage a specific problem, you will be better served by seeing your cosmetic dentist downtown Austin TX for professional advice for oral care. For your daily teeth cleaning needs, focus on taste, comfort, and results to avoid confusion over the many options that are available.
