When we go into a pharmacy there is a myriad of choices of toothpaste and toothbrushes. On their multi-colored boxes, there are promises of cavity protection, whitening, fresh breath, decreased sensitivity and gum health. Let’s review what the science suggests.
Different Kinds of Toothpaste: Benefits & Disadvantages
In general, we prefer toothpaste that is low in abrasion level and contains fluoride. Here are some of the different kinds of toothpaste available and their functions:
For Protection
- Must have fluoride.
- Fluoride must be in a concentration of at least 1000 parts per million.
- Look for the ADA stamp of approval.
- Personal preference as to how clean and how fresh your mouth feels after brushing.
For Whitening
- Whitening toothpaste works to a small degree, over a long period.
- Continued use may cause tooth sensitivity.
For Sensitivity Suppression
- Work very well.
- Can buy this over the counter like Sensodyne, Colgate and Crest.
- Prescription toothpaste such as Prevadent 5000 needs to be used once a day preferably before bedtime.
- Best for adults not to rinse or eat following brushing.
- You want the fluoride from the toothpaste to stay in contact with the enamel of the teeth for two minutes while brushing and for 30 minutes after brushing is completed.
Toothpaste for Restoration of Enamel
- Toothpaste with fluoride can restore enamel such as Sensodyne Repair.
- Once tooth decay is present, it’s too late for the toothpaste to have any effect.
Aloe Vera toothpaste
- Claims to fight plaque and Gingivitis.
- Studies have shown that it is not effective.
- Fluoride toothpaste is more essential.
Charcoal Toothpaste
- New to the market.
- Preliminary studies suggest that it is too abrasive and can damage enamel.
Toothpaste for Gingivitis
- Stannous fluoride and Triclosan are effective.
- Brush twice a day, with a small soft brush, for a period of two minutes and floss at least once a day. This is essential for proper oral care.
Toothpaste We Recommend
- Parodontax – contains stannous fluoride, does not contain Triclosan.
- Crest- gum detoxifieng and deep cleans.
- Colgate Total.
- Corsodyl – contains Sodium Fluoride and Sodium Bicarbonate.
- Prevident 5000 – also used to treat Xerostomia (dry mouth).
The American Dental Association contains a website that lists all the toothpaste by their abrasion levels.
Different Kinds of Toothbrushes: Benefits & Disadvantages
In general, we prefer toothbrushes that have small heads and soft bristles. Small heads allow the brush to reach the back molars more easily and soft bristles will not wear away the enamel when we brush.
Soft brush toothbrushes, non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and a diet low in sugar are the pillars of good oral home care.
Manual toothbrushes
- Use a small, soft head and bristle.
- Inexpensive.
- Must be replaced every 3 months.
- We recommend that our patients brush their teeth for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant). We found this difficult to do as these brushes do not have a timer.
- Technique sensitive – brush at a 45-degree angle to the front of the tooth. Bristles face up in the upper and down in the lower and tips of bristles face towards the gums.
- Easy to brush too hard.
Electric Toothbrushes
- Clean and remove plaque 10x – 12x better than manual toothbrushes.
- They are 8x – 10x more gentle.
- They beep every 30 seconds and shut off at two minutes, thus ensuring the recommended brushing time.
- Two types:
- Sonic (back and forth) our favorite more gentle to gums.
- Rotary-spins and polishes front teeth very well, harsher on gums.
5. Can be rechargeable and used when traveling.
6. Heads must be replaced every 3 months.
7. Expense prices range from $50-$120.
8. Easier to use with all patients, especially those with hand problems, age or disease.
Visit 172 NYC Dental Today
At 172 NYC Dental prevention is a cornerstone in our paradigm of your dental care. Coupled with good home care is twice-yearly visits to our office for a check-up and a cleaning. Please call us at 646-921-5541 and make your appointment today. We will make you smile, and you will keep it that way.
