Does It Matter What Kind of Toothpaste I Buy?

Dear Lifehacker,
When I go to the drug store, I find an entire wall of toothpaste. Some whiten, others work better for sensitive teeth, ingredients vary, and there are so many brands. Do toothpaste "features" actually work as advertised? Does it actually matter what I buy?

Sincerely,
Toothpaste Ache

Dear T.A.,
Yes, it actually does matter what kind of toothpaste you buy. Choosing a brand and a type, however, shouldn't require too much forethought. Most of the time, toothpaste "features" don't matter and you're better off just buying an ordinary tube. That's the simple answer that should work for most people, but let's get into the details.

Toothpaste "Features" Rarely Matter (and You May Want to Avoid Them)

It should come as no surprise that toothpaste companies add features to try and encourage purchases, but often enough you'll find these fancier tubes lacking the benefits you paid for. In some cases, however, features are relevant.

We spoke with Dr. Martin Hogan to get an idea of what several additives provide and if they're actually helpful:

Toothpastes that advertise for whitening often contain abrasives or other additives that work to remove surface stain from the enamel layer of a tooth; excessive use of these toothpastes can sometimes cause sensitivity due to wearing down the enamel layer. In sensitivity toothpaste, potassium nitrate is the main ingredient in sensitivity toothpaste and works to calm the nerve of the tooth. "Anti-cavity" or fluoride toothpaste can contain levels of fluoride in their paste that is higher than a normal toothpaste; there are also prescriptions you can get from your dentist for toothpaste that contains even higher amounts of fluoride than you can get over the counter to help prevent or fight cavities.

Of course, you should consult your dentist before purchasing toothpastes with additives. You may not need the extra cavity protection and could end up spending too much (although a little fluoride certainly won't cause problems for most people). Some people (myself included) end up buying whitening toothpaste that causes sensitivity problems, then start paying more for sensitivity toothpaste instead. In general, your teeth should be white enough if you just brush them properly and avoid vices like coffee, cigarettes, sodas, and sour candies. In fact, if you just avoid sipping and drink water you can limit the harm to your teeth caused by sugary drinks and coffee. In some cases you may need a fancy toothpaste, but most people can stick with the regular stuff if they follow good dental care guidelines.

Ensure Your Toothpaste Bears the ADA's Seal of Approval

A standard toothpaste with few abrasives will serve you well. While many recognizable brands pass the test, you can save a little money by going with a smaller brand that works just as well. As Dr. Joseph Banker explains, you just need to locate the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance:

Any brand that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance has passed rigorous testing to ensure a quality, effective product. Generics are not likely to carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Consistent quality and manufacturing standards may not be guaranteed.

That said, Dr. Banker reminds us that proper brushing technique is paramount above all else:

While the choice of an ADA accepted toothpaste is important, brushing technique is crucial. I would rather see someone brush quickly using good technique rather than spend more time brushing incorrectly.

While most of us think we know proper brushing technique, it never hurts to have a refresher. The ADA offers tips and a video for both brushing and flossing your teeth for optimal dental health. Check them out if you want to learn what's a bit more important than your toothpaste selection.

Love,
Lifehacker

Photo by Segio33 (Shutterstock).

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/wNFk-2H2-24/does-it-matter-what-kind-of-toothpaste-i-buy

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