General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing are the foundations of preventative dentistry, and the type of toothpaste that you use can make your brushing sessions even more effective.
General dentistry tips: Finding the right toothpaste for you
With so many different types of toothpaste to choose from, figuring out what type works best can be overwhelming. Let us take a detailed look at the common types of toothpaste that dentists recommend.
1. Fluoride toothpaste
General dentistry uses fluoride to re-mineralize teeth with procedures like fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps fight off tooth decay and lowers the risk of infection. It can even help reverse tooth decay in its demineralization stage. Dentists often recommend using fluoride toothpaste when brushing, particularly if a patient is prone to tooth decay or has a sweet tooth.
2. Tartar control toothpaste
Tartar control toothpaste helps reduce the accumulation of tartar deposits on teeth surfaces. Tartar is calcified plaque, and it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. It contains bacteria and acids that damage teeth. Tartar can also make its way into gum pockets, infecting the tissues there. Tartar deposits are removed during teeth cleaning sessions performed by a dentist.
3. Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste helps eliminate surface stains that form on teeth, like those caused by the tannins in foods and beverages or tobacco smoke. These products contain whitening agents that remove stains on teeth while providing a barrier that helps prevent new stains.
Whitening toothpaste will not drastically improve the color of teeth as much as teeth whitening treatments, but they can help maintain the results of such treatments. Whitening toothpaste should only be used a couple of times a week to avoid damaging enamel.
4. Desensitizing toothpaste
These contain active ingredients, like potassium nitrate. It reduces the painful sensations that people with sensitive teeth experience when their teeth are exposed to hot and cold foods or beverages. More significant issues like tooth decay usually cause teeth sensitivity, so dental care is needed for a more permanent fix to the problem.
5. Gum disease
People who have been diagnosed with gum disease should explore toothpaste explicitly made for fighting the infection. These products reduce plaque formation in the mouth and help slow down the progression of periodontal disease.
6. Non-fluoride toothpaste
These are great for small children who are likely to swallow toothpaste during brushing sessions. It is also excellent for people who have been diagnosed with fluorosis.
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Good oral hygiene helps keep your mouth and body healthy
The right type of toothpaste enables you to get more out of your brushing sessions. Give us a call or stop by our Forest Hills clinic for more oral hygiene tips.
Request an appointment or call Metro Smiles Dental at 718-841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
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As a seasoned dental professional with years of hands-on experience and a passion for oral health, I am well-versed in the intricate details of general dentistry. My expertise extends from routine preventative care to specialized treatments, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the importance of maintaining optimal dental hygiene.
In the realm of preventative dentistry, brushing and flossing stand as the pillars of a healthy oral care routine. I understand that the choice of toothpaste plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of these practices. The article you've presented touches upon various types of toothpaste recommended by dentists, and I'd like to delve into each concept to offer a more profound understanding:
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Fluoride Toothpaste:
- This type of toothpaste is integral to general dentistry, leveraging fluoride to re-mineralize teeth. Fluoride treatments are commonly used in dental procedures to combat tooth decay and reduce the risk of infection. It can even reverse the early stages of tooth decay, making it a vital recommendation, especially for those prone to decay or with a sweet tooth.
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Tartar Control Toothpaste:
- Tartar control toothpaste addresses the issue of tartar, a calcified plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing. These deposits, if left untreated, can lead to bacterial infections in gum pockets. Dentists often advise its use to help minimize tartar accumulation between professional cleanings.
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Whitening Toothpaste:
- Whitening toothpaste contains agents that eliminate surface stains on teeth, making them particularly useful for combatting stains from foods, beverages, or tobacco. It's important to note that while whitening toothpaste maintains results from professional treatments, its regular use should be moderated to prevent enamel damage.
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Desensitizing Toothpaste:
- Designed for individuals with sensitive teeth, desensitizing toothpaste contains active ingredients like potassium nitrate. It helps alleviate the pain associated with hot or cold stimuli. However, for a more permanent solution, underlying dental issues contributing to sensitivity should be addressed.
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Gum Disease Toothpaste:
- Tailored for those diagnosed with gum disease, this type of toothpaste aims to reduce plaque formation and slow down the progression of periodontal disease. It plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment plan for individuals dealing with gum-related issues.
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Non-Fluoride Toothpaste:
- Ideal for small children and individuals diagnosed with fluorosis, non-fluoride toothpaste serves as a safe alternative. It prevents the ingestion of excessive fluoride during brushing sessions and caters to specific dental needs.
Understanding the nuances of these toothpaste types is key to making informed decisions about oral care. The knowledge shared here reinforces the importance of choosing the right toothpaste to maximize the benefits of daily brushing and maintain optimal oral health. For personalized advice, individuals are encouraged to consult with their dentists, ensuring a tailored approach to their unique dental needs.
