When in question, google it! I did and what I discovered is that there is a lot of hub-bub around the different types of toothpaste. Toothbrush experts decided to take a look at its partner – Toothpaste!

You have to ask yourself, what is important to you? What are you trying to achieve? Some people use toothpaste to help them get whiter teeth. Some use sensitive toothpaste. Generally, people are taught to brush with a fluoridated toothpaste to help keep the cavity bugs away.

So here is the lowdown, on what makes a toothpaste help people in the sensitive, whitening and cavity fighting arenas.

Sensitive – One in four people are affected by sensitivity. There are a number of reasons why people are in pain either long term or short term. Enamel that covers the tooth has no nerve endings but the second layer of the tooth called Dentin contains all the nerve endings. Dentin is usually covered by the gum tissue or by enamel. When either one is worn away an exposed area of dentin is what causes the cold sensitivity and touch sensitivity. The toothpaste ingredients of a sensitive toothpaste tend to be no different than a regular tube of toothpaste but what is typically added is a desensitizer. Some desensitizers like potassium nitrate will help to depolarize the tubules.

The tubules, shown close up in the picture below, contain fluid with positive ions. Potassium nitrate contains positive ions as well, which help block the nerve signals. Some sensitive toothpaste have the ability to occlude the tubules by blocking the actual tubules with a smear layer resistant to mechanical and acid challenges. Toothpaste containing stannous fluoride like the New Colgate Total has that ability. Also consider Sensodyne pro enamel toothpaste as another option but it will not occlude the tubules.

Whitening toothpaste – A recent survey showed 80% of Americans aged 18 to 49 want whiter teeth, with women leading in this area at 85%. 6 out 10 believe a whiter, brighter smile would boost their self confidence especially in the 18 to 24 age range.

Typically whitening toothpastes will contain ingredients to help remove enamel staining that can be caused by coffee, tea, wine and the list goes on and on. Some will contain hydrogen peroxide – the catalyst for the whitening.

To help quantify the abrasivity of dentifrices, the ADA along with various academic, industry and government agencies established a standardized scale called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA). 250 is the determined number to stay below. Most toothpaste on the market today are at 150 and below. Great whitening toothpastes to consider are BURST Wonderfully Whitening Toothpaste which can be complimented with their BURST Coconut whitening strips that contains 6% Hydrogen Peroxide to further enhance that bright white smile. Another good toothpaste to consider is Colgate Optic White with 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Cavity fighting toothpaste- “Dental caries (tooth decay) remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, even though it is largely preventable. Although caries has significantly decreased for most Americans over the past four decades, disparities remain among some population groups. In addition, this downward trend has recently reversed for young children.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries

One of the main components in toothpaste to help fight cavities is fluoride. This is one of the most controversial topics patients often discuss with their dental care providers. Here are some facts about fluoride:

• Fluoride occurs naturally in water, though usually not at a high enough level to protect teeth.
• Fluoride has been recognized as an important nutrient for healthy teeth.
• Fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and build healthy communities.
• Fluoridated water + toothpaste = less tooth decay! The benefits of water fluoridation build on those from fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste alone is not enough, which is why pediatricians and dentists often prescribe fluoride tablets to children living in non-fluoridated areas.
• Getting enough fluoride in childhood is critical to strengthening our teeth over an entire lifetime.