Oral Care & Hygiene
Great Falls, MT
 Brushing your teeth is an essential habit for helping to keep your mouth clean and healthy. American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice a day for two full minutes each time. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush that feels comfortable. Your toothbrush is only one part of a good brushing routine. To help keep your teeth, and your mouth, healthy, it is important that you choose the right toothpaste and that you get enough fluoride. River's Edge Dental can help.
Look for the ADA Seal
One of the first things you should look for when buying toothpaste is the ADA seal. This seal certifies, regardless of flavor, whitening ability, or ability to help sensitive teeth, that the toothpaste has been tested and the ingredients are effective.
Look for a Fluoridated Toothpaste
Another important thing to look for in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is an essential element for keeping your tooth enamel strong, allowing it to fight off the acids produced by plaque and bacteria. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in your teeth that is lost daily through a process called demineralization. When this happens, your teeth weaken and become more susceptible to decay and cavities. Fluoride in toothpaste helps to remineralize your teeth so that they can stay strong and healthy and prevent tooth decay. Most people think of needing fluoride separately and do not realize that it is an important ingredient in toothpaste.
Choosing a Toothpaste for Your Individual Needs
There are many different types of toothpaste out there that are designed for different purposes. Some are designed to help whiten your teeth. These toothpastes contain abrasives that help to remove surface stains. Some toothpaste is specially formulated for those who have sensitive teeth. They contain ingredients that help to strengthen teeth and reduce this issue. There are even toothpastes designed to help prevent and reduce tartar buildup. If you have specific concerns such as these, you can find a specially formulated toothpaste to meet your specific needs.
In addition to special formulations, toothpaste also comes in many different flavors, such as peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, and more. This allows you to find a flavor that appeals to you and helps to leave your breath feeling fresh after brushing.
How Much Toothpaste Should I Use?
It is a common misconception that adults should cover the entire head of their toothbrush with toothpaste. This is often because of how the advertisements on television show toothpaste use. However, this is too much toothpaste. Most adults only need to use a pea sized amount.
The amount of toothpaste a child needs to use varies based on age. Infants getting their first teeth should only use a smear of toothpaste. Around the age of three to five, increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of about half of a pea. Make sure that your child spits out their toothpaste. After the age of five or six, your child can begin to use a pea-sized amount. Make sure that you continue to monitor your child as they brush to ensure that they spit the toothpaste out and that they clean all of their teeth.
The right toothpaste can help you to keep your mouth happy and healthy, preventing serious oral health issues such as not getting enough fluoride to keep your enamel strong. If you have any questions or concerns about what toothpaste is right for you, contact River's Edge Dental today at (406) 315-5882. |
