4 Tips to Help Find the Best Toothpaste for You

Need a new toothpaste? Picking one seems easy enough… until you walk down the aisle at your local store and realize there are 50+ different options to choose from! Don’t worry – you can make the decision of which type of toothpaste you should use significantly easier with these four tips.

Tip #1: Consider Your Needs (or the Needs of Your Family)

Are your teeth particularly sensitive? Do you want to choose a toothpaste made with all-natural ingredients for your little ones? Whatever your preferences and needs are, consider those first when making your purchase. This will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and ensure you get a toothpaste that works best for you or your family.

Tip #2: Look for the ADA Seal of Approval

The Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association is on products that have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Toothpastes with this distinction also contain fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. Simply put, whatever your dental needs are, the ADA Seal of Approval will make finding the right toothpaste significantly easier.

Tip #3: Stay Away from Whitening Toothpastes

If you want to lift stubborn stains, you might be drawn to whitening toothpastes. Unfortunately, these often contain abrasive ingredients that can erode your enamel. If you want to address dental discoloration, then it’s best to talk to your dentist about your teeth whitening options instead of relying on a toothpaste that has the potential to negatively affect your oral health.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Flavor

Don’t like peppermint, spearmint, and other minty flavors? While they are the most popular flavors of toothpaste, they certainly aren’t the only ones. In fact, they now have fun options like bubble gum and watermelon! It may seem small, but adjustments like this can help make brushing your teeth something you look forward to (compared to something that feels like a chore).

Bonus Tip: Ask Your Dentist!

Remember, your dentist isn’t just there during your dental checkups and cleanings; they are your greatest ally when it comes to your oral health year-round! If you have any questions about your at-home oral hygiene regimen – from which toothpaste you should use to how often you should brush – they can help. So, don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations before heading to the store.

About the Practice

For more than 15 years now, Dr. Steven E. Amburgey has dedicated his days to helping patients achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. Before opening Amburgey Dental, he earned his dental doctorate from WVU Dental School. Since then, he has pursued continuing education and maintained active memberships with professional organizations, like the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. If you have a question about your oral health or you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (276) 258-5568.