Buying toothpaste isn't something in which people invest a lot of thought. Most of us associate it with the assorted necessities we pick up on trips to the drugstore, along with toilet paper or dish soap. In fact, a lot of us might guide our buying choices based on what's on sale.



While we appreciated that most people might not give much thought to what type of toothpaste they use, it might actually be something that you want to start giving more thought to, especially if you want to preserve the health and vitality of your smile. Here’s how the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa suggests that patients choose the right toothpaste.



The Importance of Using The Right Toothpaste

The products we use in our oral health routines matter. While you might not give much thought to the type of toothpaste you use, using the wrong kind can have consequences. For example, those with tooth sensitivity can find their condition exacerbated by many whitening toothpastes. Those who struggle with oral health concerns like gingivitis may find their condition reduced if they use a toothpaste specifically designed to target their issue. For people with good teeth and no oral health concerns, their toothpaste selection can absolutely be based on mere personal preference. However, those with special oral needs should be a bit more discerning.



The Consequences of Not Using The Right Toothpaste 

Those who struggle with sensitive teeth suffer the most by not using the right toothpaste for their oral health needs. In fact, many patients experience a significant reduction in sensitivity and discomfort merely by switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.



Sensitive toothpaste falls into two categories: Over-the-counter and prescription. OTC toothpastes will always be what your dentist recommends first, as they work just fine for many patients. However, if you don't experience any improvement while using OTC sensitive toothpaste, your dentist will be able to help you obtain prescription toothpaste.



What Are The Different Types of Toothpaste?

When you walk into the toothpaste aisle of the drugstore of supermarket, you'll notice a wide array of options. A popular choice is whitening toothpaste, which purports to noticeably whiten your teeth. This isn't an empty claim; although whitening toothpastes won't have as noticeable a result as a professional whitening treatment, they can indeed brighten and help to lift stains and discolouration. Those with veneers, caps or false teeth should avoid whitening toothpastes, as they can cause your natural teeth to become a different shade than the false ones.



Another popular choice is "natural" toothpaste, which can be a divisive topic among dentists. These toothpastes claim to be chemical-free, which means that many do not contain fluoride. While many of us get a sufficient amount of fluoride from our drinking water, children and adults with compromised dental health benefit from additional fluoride in their oral care products. Despite the conspiracy theories you might have read online, fluoride is not dangerous; in fact, all of the dentists at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa stress the importance of fluoride for dental wellness and strong teeth.



Other categories of toothpastes include anti-gingivitis and anti-cavity, which can be useful for patients who deal with these oral health concerns or who want to take preventative measures against them. 



Finally, when it comes to things like flavour, that's all a matter of personal preference. There's no dental benefit to cinnamon over peppermint, it all just comes down to how you want your breath to smell.



When In Doubt, Ask Your Dentist 

Many patients will be able to pick out a toothpaste on their own. However, if you're experiencing issues with commercial toothpastes such as sensitivity or simply need guidance on choosing the right product for your teeth, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. They will be able to point you in the right direction and make the appropriate suggestions for the health of your teeth.



At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, our trained staff are eager to help you make the right choices for your teeth. Our dental centre in Ottawa is committed to helping every client achieve their best smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment