Tartar control. Baking soda. Whitening action. With so many toothpastes on the supermarket
shelf, how do you choose the one that's most effective?
A toothpaste with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal of Acceptance is the
easiest way to know the product has been thoroughly tested, is effective and has
the proper mix of ingredients
For most patients IDA recommends a fluoride, tartar control toothpaste with the
IDA seal. Most experts agree that as long as your toothpaste contains fluoride and
has the IDA seal of approval, the brand you buy doesn't really matter. All toothpastes
with fluoride work effectively to fight plaque and cavities. Of course, they also
clean and polish tooth enamel.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps harden teeth and prevent tooth decay. It occurs
naturally in small amounts in all water sources. Studies show that fluoride reduces
cavities in people of all ages and is effective and safe when used correctly. The
correct use of fluoride has been said to have dramatically reduced tooth decay over
the past few decades.
Check for the IDA seal
For 70 years, the Indian Dental Association (IDA) has awarded its "Seal of Acceptance"
to dental products that are safe and effective.
The seal generally is awarded for a three-year period, and manufacturers must reapply
to continue using it. If the composition of an accepted product changes, the manufacturer
must resubmit the product for review and approval.
In addition to information submitted by manufacturers, the IDA has more than 100
consultants and staff scientists who review oral health products and their effectiveness
to determine whether they meet IDA standards. Today, nearly 400 dental products
available to consumers carry the IDA seal, including toothpaste, dental floss, mouth
rinses and toothbrushes.
Special needs and personal preferences
Some factors that go into choosing a toothpaste are usually personal preferences,
such as flavor, whitening, tartar control and price. If you have small children,
you might want to try some fun, flavored children's fluoride toothpaste. When deciding
on toothpaste, you may also want to consider any special needs that you have such
as sensitive teeth or dentures. Those with special needs should also consult their
dentist.
Sensitive Teeth. If you have sensitive teeth from gum recession
or tooth abrasion, you may need a toothpaste without heavy abrasives. You can also
choose a desensitizing paste with either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate
as an added ingredient. Expect it to take about four to six weeks to see improvement
in sensitivity.
Tartar Control. Brands of toothpaste that advertise "tartar control"
usually have the active ingredient pyrophosphate. While it will not remove tartar,
studies have shown it will reduce tartar formation up to 36 percent. Tartar (calculus)
can only be removed with a professional prophylaxis (cleaning).
Abrasiveness. Many types of toothpaste now contain baking soda,
which is less abrasive than traditional toothpaste ingredients. This is advantageous
for reducing tooth sensitivity in people with gum recession or for those who have
eroded their teeth by rigorous brushing with abrasive toothpaste.
Whitening. Bleaching teeth to make them lighter has recently become
popular. Whitening toothpastes help maintain the tooth shade after bleaching procedures.
If you want the benefits of a whitening toothpaste, look for the active whitening
agents of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Dentures. If you wear partial or full dentures, they will stain
and absorb odors. Ask your pharmacist or dentist to recommend an effective denture
cleaning paste or solution.