At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, we urge all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. This very good habit is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your dental health.
What kind of toothpaste should you use? There is no one-size-fits-all product on the market. One patient might be interested in whitening toothpaste, and another may need something for sensitive teeth.
There’s a huge selection of toothpastes in any grocery store, from those aimed at children to so-called natural toothpastes. You want to make the best choice for your teeth, but it isn’t always easy to make up your mind.
Different types of toothpastes have specific active ingredients that make them work. Fluoride is by far the most important thing to look for. But there are many other ingredients; what follows is a rundown of the more common ones.
- Detergents: Sodium lauryl sulfate is nearly ubiquitous, not only in toothpaste, but in other personal care products like shampoo. Sometimes it’s called Sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate. It’s the stuff that makes products foamy. Some people are sensitive to it, and some consumer advocacy groups say it can be hazardous. There are toothpastes that don’t have it.
- Whiteners: The most common toothpaste whitener is hydrogen peroxide, but there are others, like polyphosphates. While they do a modest job whitening teeth, many experts agree that the whitening agents aren’t strong enough, or in contact with the teeth long enough, to do a really good job. To get really white teeth, try professional whitening from a dentist.
- Desensitizers; Some people’s teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods than others. And some are more tactile-sensitive. Used on a regular basis, desensitizing toothpastes can be very effective, but it’s a good idea to get a dentist’s recommendation first.
- Plaque Fighters: A toothpaste ingredient called triclosan is believed to fight plaque and gum inflammation. While it seemed promising at first, more recent studies indicate triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance, and disrupt hormones and the immune system.
Always read the label, and make sure the toothpaste you’re considering has the American Dental Association seal. If you see it, it means the ADA considers it safe and effective. Whatever you choose, brush and floss twice each day!
Feel free to ask us for a recommendation, and what might be best for your particular set of teeth. At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, we offer general and restorative dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also trust their smiles to our cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!
Contact Future of Dentistry:
Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):
New Patient Online Offer
FREE Initial Consultation
(Up to $115 value)
– or –
$97 Cleaning, X-Rays and Exam
(Save $293)
Call (781) 925-7386 today to schedule
Contact Us
Future of Dentistry serves patients across Middlesex County and the Merrimack Valley with five convenient locations offering general and family dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry including Invisalign clear braces, veneers, and teeth whitening, oral surgery, and TMJ treatment. With a board-certified prosthodontist on staff and advanced technology in every office, our team handles everything from routine cleanings to full-mouth reconstructions and complete smile makeovers, all under one roof. Our offices in Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, North Andover, and Wakefield bring one-stop dental care to patients in Wilmington, Tewksbury, Lowell, Andover, Methuen, Lynnfield, and Melrose, as well as the surrounding communities of Westford, Burlington, Pelham, Hudson, North Billerica, Bedford, Middleton, North Reading, Lawrence, Stoneham, Peabody, and Woburn.
You smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, give us a call at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover. Consider these important reasons for having regular cleanings and checkups:
Are you suffering with a toothache, but ignoring the pain? It won’t get better until you have us take a look, at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover. Toothache pain is like an unpaid speeding ticket. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.
You may not sport a sparkling 3-carat diamond on your finger or zip around town in a shiny Ferrari, but you can flash a celebrity-caliber smile. Cosmetic dentistry from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover is an investment in you, and it pays off every single day.
In this post from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, we’re going to discuss mouthwash. Many people use mouthwash to freshen their breath and help prevent tooth decay. While some mouthwash has cavity-fighting additives, it should never be considered a substitute for brushing your teeth. Good dental health is centered on regular brushing and flossing.
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems there is. Are you doing everything you can to prevent it? In this post from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover we have some practical ideas that can help.
There are many different types of mouthwash on the market. Some tout germ-killing abilities, others emphasize fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover we ask: will they meet your oral care needs?
Recent Comments