
Toothpaste! In 2019, over 300 million of us used it, but do we actually know what kind is best for us? This question becomes even more pressing when you’re standing in the toothpaste aisle wondering, “Which one of these do I even need?”
At the office of Nataly Vilderman, DDS, in San Francisco, we’re here to cover all of your dental care needs, and to answer any questions that you may have about your dental care. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide to picking the right toothpaste for you.
Toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association have been evaluated for both safety and effectiveness by an independent review board of dental experts. ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride, an essential mineral for keeping your teeth healthy.
If you’re trying to follow an all-natural, chemical-free lifestyle, you still can find an ADA-approved toothpaste with no additives.
When picking a toothpaste that’s right for you, be sure to read the label carefully. Manufacturers will include all of their ingredients in the label, making it easy for you to avoid ingredients that you’re sensitive to, like:
Because there are so many ingredients in toothpaste that can be abrasive, you’ll also want to check the RDA (relative dentin abrasivity) level, also found on the label. You don’t have to worry about this if you’re choosing an ADA-approved toothpaste, since the RDA levels are already at a safe amount.
Some brands are also better for specific dental problems, and they’ll say so on the label. Talk to us if you need help deciding on a toothpaste that can address your unique dental needs.
While whitening toothpaste does work, most brands take a long time to do so. Unfortunately, whitening toothpastes cause sensitivity with long-term use. You’re probably better off whitening your teeth in one treatment and using non-whitening toothpaste regularly.
Over-the counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth is a great, affordable alternative to prescription toothpaste. According to The Cleveland Clinic, these toothpastes have been proved to work very well. But, if you have extremely sensitive teeth and find that over-the-counteer toothpastes aren’t working, talk to us about getting a prescription brand.
To schedule your appointment at Nataly Vilderman, DDS, call 415-665-7800, or book an appointment online.