Toothpaste has been in the news a lot lately. Colgate Total was in the news a while back because it contains Triclosan which has been shown to cause both cancer and developmental problems in rodents. Of course we are not rodents but this is still concerning. Most recently, Crest 3D has been in the news for containing small plastic beads made out of polyethylene. I always assumed that these colourful beads were soluble and not a concern, apparently not. They have been found under some people’s gums. They haven’t caused any damage but they are still there and a completely unnecessary part of toothpaste.
So, how do you pick toothpaste out from that gigantic isle in the grocery store? It’s simple; you don’t need toothpaste at all. “WHAT?!” you say. It’s true to clean your teeth effectively and remove plaque tooth paste is unnecessary. What you need is a soft or extra-soft toothbrush, the proper technique and 2 minutes twice a day.
I am sure now you are thinking “Gross, Dr. Michele doesn’t use toothpaste”. Of course I do! Toothpaste has benefits but I just want to emphasize toothpaste is not necessary to clean your teeth. What are the reasons and benefits of using toothpaste you ask? Well first, toothpaste has fluoride which makes tooth structure stronger and more resistant to decay. Second, if you have temperature sensitivity there are specialty toothpastes on the market that are extremely effective. For example; the line of Sensodyne toothpaste, Colgate Pro-relief and Crest also has sensitivity toothpaste. Lastly, toothpaste freshens breath. Those are the three main benefits of toothpaste. There are a lot of other things available in different toothpastes but they are just bells and whistles. A special note for whitening toothpastes, they can do a great job of maintaining a professional whitening but they are not effective at whitening your teeth on their own. If you have sensitive teeth I would stay away from whitening toothpastes as they can be abrasive.
What is the bottom line on toothpastes? If you suffer from temperature sensitivity then buy toothpaste that is geared specifically towards tooth sensitivity. If not then buy toothpaste with the least amount of bells and whistles and that you like the taste of. All those extras are not necessary and you will save money getting a more basic paste. I hope that helps. If you have any questions on what type of toothpaste is right for you don’t hesitate to ask.
