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Toothpaste Tutorial: Choosing The Right Types For You And Your Family

10 August 2016

Head to the toothpaste shelf at your local supermarket and you’ll no doubt be faced with rows of tubes from a huge variety of manufactures in an ever larger variety of types. Whitening, anti-cavity, tartar control, sensitive formula…there’s seemingly one for just about every result you’re seeking and all the problems you’re having with your teeth.

So, how do you know which ones to choose? And can everyone in your household use the same toothpaste or do you need to buy several varieties for the many sets of teeth in your home?

If you live alone or as a couple with another individual, you may be able to get away with using just one tube of toothpaste, though you may have different tastes in flavors and other specifics like paste or gel. Different dental issues may also necessitate buying more than one tube. If you have little ones at home, you’ll certainly need to have a more diverse collection of dental care items in your medicine chest.

CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS

The toothpaste you use for your children will change as they grow. What might be right for your toddler may not be ideal for your older child. For example, you’ll want your child’s toothpaste to contain fluoride, but the toothpaste you’re using to brush your toddler’s teeth should have less fluoride than the paste for an older child. Stick to about 1,000 ppm (parts per million) for the little ones.

Sometimes, parents choose toothpastes that boast a fruity, sweet flavor. However, this isn’t always to your advantage as little ones need to learn that toothpaste isn’t food nor should it taste like it. Furthermore, when kids get older and need to use toothpaste with a higher fluoride content, they may be turned off by the more common minty flavors. So once they are able to be exposed to the higher fluoride levels, it’s okay to progress to “adult” toothpastes. Simply ask your dentist about the right amounts to use and how many times a day your child should be brushing.

ADULT PRODUCTS: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT?

Here’s where the confusion sets in and, often, which toothpaste you choose comes down to personal preference, unless your dentist recommends a certain type to help combat any issues you might be having with your teeth. Here’s a list of what’s available:

  • Flouride Toothpaste – This is probably the sub-type that’s been around for the longest. Even though many cities and towns now have public water that includes fluoride, many people still turn to this old favorite. These are especially good for individuals who take medications that cause dry mouth or others who are vulnerable to tooth decay for one reason or another.
  • Tartar-control toothpaste – We all know that excess tartar leads to gum disease and that the easiest way to avoid serious gum disease is to subscribe to a regular cleaning by your dentist. However, if your dentist has noticed that you’re prone to a quicker buildup of tartar than most, he or she may recommend a tartar control toothpaste. Even if that’s not the case, it’s a good way to keep tartar in check and to make twice-yearly cleanings quicker and easier.
  • Whitening toothpaste – Toothpastes that claim to keep your teeth white may help you maintain that pearly white quality, but if you have seriously stained teeth or teeth that are yellowing from age, you’ll probably need more than a whitening toothpaste to achieve the look you want. Nonetheless, once you’ve gotten a professional whitening job, this type of toothpaste is great for daily brushing. You’ll find that some contain peroxide to lighten teeth while others have baking soda as their active ingredient. Ask your dentist which, if either, is right for you.
  • Breath-freshening toothpaste – Some toothpastes promise to help you control bad breath. Often, as with whitening, the active ingredient here is baking soda but there may also be an added flavor booster included. As such, you’ll usually find these two properties combined in, for example, an “Advanced Whitening, Breath-Freshening” toothpaste.
  • Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth – These toothpastes are often recommend by dentists for those individuals who suffer tooth pain when consuming something very hot, very cold, or particularly sweet or acidic. This happens when enamel gets thin and/or gums recede, reducing protection to the tooth and root. Long-term use for at least a month helps you get the most from these types of toothpaste.
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I recently visited Briars Dental Practice in Newbury and had a truly excellent experience. From the moment I walked in, the receptionist greeted me warmly and made me feel welcome. The hygienist who saw me prior to my appointment with the dentist was very thorough and gave me some great advice on how to keep my teeth healthy.I was then seen by Richard, one of the dentists at the practice, and I have to say that he and his nurse were fantastic. They put me at ease throughout the whole procedure, were extremely professional and caring, and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. I was also impressed by their attention to detail and their willingness to take the time to answer all of my questions.In fact, I was so pleased with my experience that I would also like to mention another dentist named Richard who saw me previously. He too was excellent, very thorough and professional, and I felt very well taken care of during my appointments with him.Overall, I can't recommend Briars Dental Practice highly enough. The staff are all so friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they really go above and beyond to make sure that their patients are well looked after. If you're looking for a great dental practice in Newbury, look no further than Briars.
Beatrice Andreea
Beatrice Andreea
12:07 11 May 23
Thank you for a wonderful experience, I am a coward when it comes to the dentist, Mr Nick French, put me at ease, and has the patience of a Saint. I would also say the dental nurse was I lovely lady who let me crush her hand while I was having my injections. I give Briars Dental Centre 10 out of 10, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Jan Hamments
Jan Hamments
19:11 29 Jun 23
I had a hygienist appointment with Jo and her nurse, Suzanne. It was the first time I’d tried GBT and found the experience much more comfortable than usual. Jo and Suzanne really put me at ease and made sure I was happy throughout the treatment. It was good being able to clearly see the areas which I needed to improve on brushing and Jo gave me great tips. Would highly recommend
Lauren Jade
Lauren Jade
16:52 19 Jun 23
After such a positive experience today with Richard I thought it only fair to delete my previous review. I am a very nervous patient and not ashamed to say I cried before my appointment. Richard and his lovely dental nurse were so understanding and treated me with kindness and empathy. Richard explained everything to me and allowed me to go at my pace. All options for my next appointment were explained to me and I now have trust in Richard that I feel I will not need full sedation. I was in alot of pain prior to my appointment today along with an enormous amount of anxiety. Richard even explained to me how to breathe when having treatment- no other dentist has ever explained that to me before!Thank you again Richard and to your lovely dental nurse.
Mary Lovelock
Mary Lovelock
15:03 24 Apr 23
I had my consultancy appointment with Chelsea today who looked after me very well. She was very friendly and easy to talk to and explained everything to me very nicely. And also answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease today and for future appointments. It was nice to meet you, and thank you.Glenn.
Glenn Cooper
Glenn Cooper
22:20 23 May 23
I recently had to visit Richard Lineker as I'd broken a tooth.He and his lovely nurse Agata made me feel comfortable and explained what treatment I needed.They work extremely well as a team andmy treatment was painless.
Pauline Preston
Pauline Preston
13:59 12 Jul 23
Wanted to share my mother's thoughts of recent experience visiting Jo Craig hygienist."Jo was attentive , caring gentle and thorough today.I came out feeling fresh and motivated.Well looked after also by her lovely nurse Jenny."Angela Shaw.
Suzanne Hendry
Suzanne Hendry
11:03 21 Jul 23
I am very pleased with the treatment I received. After another dentist had told me the tooth had to be extracted, Mr Fady Khoury managed to save the tooth. The procedure was carried out in a very efficient and professional manner and I am very happy with the outcome.
Terence Marshall
Terence Marshall
16:03 24 Jul 23
Had an appointment with Chelsea today and it went very very well. Had my scans and photos done for Invisalign, which can be a bit awkward but she made it a comfortable experience. She was very friendly, welcoming, put me at ease and asked if I had any overall questions at that stage of the process. She was knowledgeable and explained everything I asked about. It's my first time at this clinic so I'm looking forward for my second appointment to discuss treatment. Great first impression from the moment I stepped through the door! Thanks!
Diana
Diana
11:01 31 Jul 23
A very happy customer! I had quite a lot of crooked and misaligned teeth so Victoria introduced me to Invisalign. She carefully created a program to give me the smile I wanted. In the end it took longer than we had expected but Victoria very diligently took me through every step of the process and she didn’t compromise on any part of the process to ensure I got the smile and teeth alignment we both wanted. A huge thank you to her and her assistant Jen who made every effort to make me feel comfortable throughout. Highly recommended.San
San James
San James
17:16 02 Aug 23
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