Did you know the first toothpaste was made in 5000 B.C. and contained myrrh, powdered eggshells, and ox hooves? Since then, our toothpaste options have become more palatable and more efficient, but not everyone realizes that there are various types of toothpaste to choose from.
Read on to learn about the many types of toothpaste options you can choose from.
Types of Toothpaste: Fluoridated Toothpaste
This is the most common of toothpaste types, making up 90 percent of all toothpaste sales. The fluoride it contains strengthens the enamel on your teeth and provides mineral support for teeth that have some decay.
Children’s Toothpaste
Children’s toothpaste tends to have less fluoride in it to prevent the risks of children swallowing too much fluoride. Because their teeth are also much more sensitive than adult teeth, there are fewer abrasive ingredients in children’s toothpaste. The tastes are also sweeter and can be fruit-flavored or candy-flavored, among other options.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Some people have more sensitive teeth and can be affected by cold and hot substances. There is a type of toothpaste designed for them that contains potassium nitrate. This provides some relief from the painful sensitivity.
Many people who have sensitive teeth also have other sensitivities, including having difficulty with brushing their hair. A gentle detangling bamboo brush can ease the discomfort.
Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste
Having dental stains can make your smile look less than pretty. Teeth-whitening toothpaste is perfect for dealing with this. Coffee and soda can wear down enamel and leave stains, but teeth-whitening toothpaste has abrasive ingredients that can scrub those stains out.
Herbal Toothpaste
If you are sensitive to certain chemicals in regular toothpaste or if you would like to use an option that has fewer chemicals altogether, there are herbal options available. Herbal toothpaste contains only natural ingredients, so they are biodegradable.
Some of the herbal toothpaste options available do not contain any fluoride, so for the best dental care, choose one that has at least a small amount of it.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Tartar is plaque that has calcified or otherwise hardened. This can occur if there are spots that you miss regularly when you brush your teeth. The plaque hardens and you will need a dentist to remove it.
Tartar control toothpaste has ingredients that help break down the buildup of tartar while also improving gum health.
Smoker’s Toothpaste
Tobacco stains teeth. Tar can cause the teeth to get a yellow and brown tinge which can be unpleasant to look at. Smoker’s toothpaste helps combat these stains with different abrasive cleansing chemicals.
They have stronger ingredients than regular fluoridated toothpaste.
Keep Your Teeth Pearly-White
By choosing the right option from among the different types of toothpaste out there, you can ensure your teeth will look their best and be at their healthiest. Complement that as well with regular dental visits, and you’ll surely have brighter and healthier teeth. If you’re searching for a dentist right now, you can check out this one that offers dental implants, clear braces, and high-quality periodontics in Greeneville.
If you want more tips on oral care, turn to our Health page!
