Which Toothpaste is Right for You? The 5 Most Common Types of Toothpaste

Brush your teeth twice daily. You’ve heard that repeatedly. But with what type of toothpaste? There are so many. Does it matter?

Yes. Your choice matters to your dental health.

Here is a breakdown of the 5 most common types of toothpaste.

1. Fluoride Toothpaste

   Fluoride toothpaste is the most commonly used type of toothpaste. It contains fluoride, which helps strengthen the teeth’ enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for people of all ages and is available in different flavors and strengths.

   Some popular brands include Colgate, Crest, and Sensodyne. You can also find many store or generic brands.

2. Whitening Toothpaste

   Whitening toothpaste is designed to remove surface stains from the teeth and brighten the smile. First introduced in the 1980s, it contains mild abrasives, such as baking soda, and mild acids, like citric acid, that gently remove surface stains. Whitening toothpaste is not as effective as professional whitening treatments, but it can be a good option for people who want to maintain their white smile. 

   Some popular brands include Crest 3D White, Colgate Optic White, and Rembrandt, and you can also find off-label brands in major grocery and discount stores.

3. Sensitive Toothpaste

   Sensitive toothpaste is designed for people who have sensitive teeth and gums. It contains ingredients that help to desensitize the teeth, such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. Sensitive toothpaste is recommended for people who experience discomfort or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks. 

   Some popular brands include Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, and Pronamel. Limited choices of store or generic brands are also available.

   Careful: Avoid sensitive toothpaste with whitening agents. Those tiny abrasives will irritate your teeth.

4. Herbal Toothpaste

   Herbal toothpaste is made with natural ingredients, such as herbs, essential oils, and plant extracts. It does not contain fluoride, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. Herbal toothpaste is often marketed at people who prefer to use natural products, as it may be gentler on the teeth and gums than traditional toothpaste.

   Some popular brands include Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, and Himalaya. Private-label brands are rare.

   Some dentists don’t recommend herbal toothpaste because it doesn’t contain cavity-fighting fluoride. Discuss your choice of herbal toothpaste with your dentist, especially if you have a history of tooth decay. 

5. Children's Toothpaste

   Children's toothpaste is designed for children of all ages and is available in different flavors and strengths. It contains fluoride to help prevent cavities, but the concentration of fluoride may be lower than in adult toothpaste. Children's toothpaste is also available in fun flavors, such as bubblegum or strawberry, or tiny sparkles, to encourage kids to brush their teeth. You can also find kid-friendly bundles of kid-sized toothbrushes and children’s toothpaste.

   Some popular brands include Colgate Kids, Crest Kids, and hello Kids. Only a few retailers carry their own brand of children’s toothpaste.

   Although children’s toothpaste tends to have yummy flavors, teach your children not to swallow it. Ingesting too much toothpaste increases the risk of excessive fluoride, which could lead to discoloration and white markings in the developing teeth. If you have babies or toddlers, consider using “training toothpaste.”

Last and Least: Trendy and Homemade Toothpaste

Avoid trendy charcoal and DIY toothpaste.

Charcoal is abrasive and can damage tooth enamel, leading to teeth sensitivity. Homemade paste is missing the all-important fluoride. Neither charcoal nor DIY toothpaste has been shown to benefit your teeth.

Less is More: How Much Toothpaste Should You Use?

Less than you think and less than what you see in ads and commercials. 

A pea-sized dab is plenty for adults and children at least 3 years old.

Use even less for preschoolers and toddlers; a rice-sized amount is sufficient.

Show Your Tongue Some Love

Cavity-causing bacteria reside not only on your teeth and gums but also on your tongue. So brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

Brushing your tongue will remove sulfur components that cause bad breath, reduce bacteria and refresh your mouth.

3 Different Types of Dental Insurance

If you’re looking for dental insurance, Delta Dental of Arkansas offers plenty of choices. And they all fall in the same category: competitive rates, excellent customer service and access to the state’s largest network of dental providers. We even throw in a hearing benefit, just for good measure.

Check out our plans for individuals and families and groups: small, and mid-to-large businesses.