Top Toothpastes Recommended by Perth dentist
What do Perth dentists look for in a toothpaste?
The number of toothpastes available on the Australian market keeps growing exponentially, making the choice for consumers really tough. Being in the dental industry gives us a unique insight into the world of oral care products. As Perth dentists, we are exposed to a variety of brands through sales representatives, receive samples to try and hear about the latest new products at trade shows. The right toothpaste should keep your teeth and gums healthy and help maintain a radiant smile too.
Your toothbrushing needs
The range of different toothbrushes seems to be growing all the time. There is fluoride toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, natural toothpastes, whitening toothpaste and toothpaste for tooth sensitivity. All toothpastes should enable you to prevent dental cavities, remove surface stains, combat bad breath, keep your gums healthy and aid you in maintaining good dental hygiene. You may choose toothpastes with additional benefits depending on your own specific dental needs. Those with sensitive teeth may find that a sensitive toothpaste formulated with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride may help them to eat and drink without discomfort. The right toothpaste should also help to neutralise acid attacks from plaque, and assist you in adequate plaque removal to prevent tooth decay.
How often should you brush your teeth?
We recommend that most people should be brushing teeth twice a day. Generally we suggest that brushing after meals is preferable to before meals. This is because plaque and sugar from food and drink can be removed from the teeth, minimising the acid attacks on tooth surfaces. Regular brushing is the most effective way to reduce plaque on your teeth that can cause cavities or gum disease.
If you have other specific dental needs such as dry mouth problems, acid reflux, gum disease or higher risk of cavities, you may choose to brush more regularly than just twice a day. You could also use specific toothpaste to address these issues, such as a dry mouth toothpaste, acid neutralising toothpaste, toothpaste containing Chlorhexidine or higher fluoride toothpaste. Your dental professionals can discuss your individual needs and do a risk assessment to suggest the best toothpaste for you.
So what do we look for in a toothpaste? Here we share our insider secrets on the top 4 things you should be looking for when choosing a toothpaste.
Fluoride to fight cavities
Whilst some choose to avoid fluoride altogether, the scientific evidence is unanimous that fluoride (in appropriate age-dependent concentrations) prevents tooth decay. To prevent fluorosis (a condition affecting tooth enamel due to too much fluoride exposure), it is important to pay attention to recommended age usage of toothpastes for children. Children should always use toothpaste for their correct age group to prevent too much fluoride exposure which could cause fluorosis.
SLS free
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate( SLS) is a foaming agent used in many toothpastes and other personal care products. Unfortunately some people can experience side effects such as exacerbation of ulcers, compromised wound healing and irritation of the oral mucosa (tissues inside the mouth). You may choose to steer clear of any toothpaste with SLS especially if you are sensitive to chemicals or suffer from other mucosal irritations regularly. You may choose to purchase a natural toothpaste, which usually does not contain SLS. Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10506142/
Triclosan free
Most toothpaste now does not contain Triclosan, but do check to make sure. Previously there was Triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste, but this was removed several years ago.
Make it fun!
Fun flavours to keep things interesting! You brush your teeth twice every day, so why not have a bit of fun experimenting with different flavours! Gone are the days when all toothpastes were mint flavour, there are all sorts of flavours, from coffee, pistachio, melon, coconut, and even mango sorbet. You’re sure to find a toothpaste to suit any taste.
Our favourite recommendations for toothpastes by category are:
- For those with gum disease: Curaprox Toothpaste Perio Plus Support
- Kids toothpaste 0-6: Curaprox Childrens Toothpaste Zero Fluoride
- Kids toothpaste 6+: Curaprox Childrens Toothpaste
- No fluoride: Curaprox Enzycal Zero Fluoride
- Sensitive/natural option: Moogoo Moothpaste Fluoride free contains hydroxyapatite, which has proven to be a popular alternative to fluoride. Hydroxyapatite particles in the toothpaste can help to prevent tooth decay and help remineralise early decay areas. Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8930857/
- Daily toothpaste with fun flavours: Curaprox Be You toothpaste. With flavours like gin and tonic, peach, blackberry, grapefruit, watermelon, there’s sure to be a flavour for you.
- Sensitive teeth: Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive toothpaste may help to provide relief from pain associated with eating or drinking cold foods. We suggest you use them as your normal toothpaste for a minimum of two weeks to see if your symptoms are relieved. Both of these contain different active ingredients, so you may want to try the other if you find one ineffective.
Want to know more?
Do you have more questions about toothpaste and your oral health? Speak to our qualified Claremont dentists for advice about your individual dental needs today. Our dentists can assess your dental needs and give you advice to help you achieve a healthy smile. Call us on 6143 5655 or book a consultation at our Claremont dental clinic online here.
