When it comes to choosing the right toothpaste, the choice can be overwhelming. There are so many options even within your favorite brand. Then there are “trends” that might make you pause to question the tube you’ve gravitated towards since college. When you stop to think about it, why did you buy that specific toothpaste in the first place? Was it because that’s what your parents kept in the house or because you wanted toothpaste that was sold for the lowest dollar amount? Did you make your choice based on your dental needs? Not every toothpaste is equal, so we’ll help you make the toothpaste decision that’s right for you.

Questions to Ask

When it comes to selecting a toothpaste, it’s important to answer the following questions.

1. Does it have the ADA Seal of Acceptance?

The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance means that the brand submitted data and materials to the ADA that the organization deemed safe and effective.

2. Does it contain fluoride?

Every toothpaste with the ADA seal contains fluoride. This ingredient is proven to reduce cavities. Despite the controversy over fluoride, dentists assert that this mineral is vital to oral health.

3. Does it address any additional needs your teeth may have?

As long as your chosen toothpaste has the ADA seal, you can consider your teeth’s specific needs or other preferences and goals. You can find toothpaste to reduce sensitivity, lower the risk of gingivitis or tartar build-up, whiten teeth, and freshen your breath.

7 Toothpaste Recommendations

Once you answer the questions listed above, you can continue to narrow your selection by brand, price, and taste. Here are 7 toothpaste options that will not lead you astray.

Best Overall Toothpaste: Colgate’s Cavity Protection Toothpaste

Best Budget Toothpaste: Crest’s Pro-Health Toothpaste

Best Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste Gel

Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease: Parodontax Toothpaste

Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Repair & Protect Teeth Whitening Sensitive Toothpaste

Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath: Therabreath Fresh Breath Toothpaste

Best Toothpaste for Dry Mouth: Biotene Fluoride Toothpaste

Remember, brushing your teeth twice a day with an approved toothpaste is critical to good oral hygiene, but it is not the only way to protect your teeth. Make sure your routine includes flossing and using a mouth rinse. Limiting your intake of sugar, alcohol, and tobacco products will also play a part in keeping your teeth healthy. If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene, contact Atkins & Anderson, DDS today. Start the new year on the right foot by scheduling a routine cleaning and exam so that our team can pattern with you in your oral health

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can lead to the destruction of bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis is sneaky and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. However, it is largely preventable and treatable! You just need to know what to look out for so that you can address it before it does too much damage.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Healthy gums are pale pink in color, are firm to the touch, and fit snugly around your teeth.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Puffy, swollen gums
• Gums are bright red or purple in color
• Gums that are tender to the touch
• Gums that bleed easily
• A pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing your teeth
• Spitting out blood after brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Adults that have a loose tooth
• Chewing is painful
• Gums are receding and pulling away from the teeth
• Spaces develop between the teeth
• A change in your bite

Causes of Gum Disease

The majority of the time, periodontitis develops because of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film made from bacteria. If plaque is not treated effectively, it can cause gum disease through this process:

• Plaque forms on your teeth: Plaque develops when starches and sugars mix with the bacteria that naturally form in your mouth. Plaque is removed every time you brush and floss your teeth. However, it doesn’t stay away for long! This is why we encourage you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• Plaque can turn into tartar: If plaque is not adequately removed, it can harden under your gumline. Tartar is filled with bacteria and is difficult to remove. Tartar that is ignored can lead to more damage. This is why you need to schedule regular dental appointments. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
• Plaque can lead to gingivitis: Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. This is diagnosed when the gum tissue at the base of your teeth is inflamed and irritated. With the help of professional dental treatment and good oral home care, gingivitis can be reversed.
• Continual gum inflammation leads to periodontitis: If gum inflammation continues to go unaddressed, pockets will develop between your teeth and easily fill up with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Over time, the pockets become deeper, and the spaces are filled with more bacteria. These deep infections can lead to the loss of tissue and bone, and eventually the loss of one or more teeth.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Like we mentioned in the beginning, gum disease is easily preventable. From an early age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and keep regular dentist appointments.

• Good Oral Hygiene: This includes brushing your teeth for at least two minutes a day, twice a day. Flossing once a day—especially before you brush—helps remove loosened food particles and bacteria that can easily cause plaque.
• Regular Dental Visits: We recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months to remove plaque and tartar and address any problem areas or issues like gingivitis before it turns into periodontitis.

Contact Atkins & Anderson, DDS today to schedule a cleaning for the whole family. Let’s address all the common issues like plaque and tartar before it develops into gum disease. If you currently have concerns about your gums, don’t wait another day to make an appointment.