Over the counter dental care has come a long way. It can be overwhelming to know which kind of toothpaste is going to work the best for your needs. From tarter control to whitening to sensitivity, below are some points that will help you be an informed consumer.
Sensitivity May Be Caused By Additives
There are many over the counter toothpastes that have whitening or tarter control additives in them. Several kinds of toothpaste that help with sensitivity also include tarter control and whitening additives. Did you know that whitening and tarter control toothpastes can cause sensitivity? If you cringe every time you take a sip of hot coffee or eat ice cream, try sticking to sensitive toothpastes that leave out the other additives. Once you switch to a toothpaste that is strictly a formula to combat sensitivity, your sensitive teeth should respond after about two weeks of daily use.
What’s The Deal With Whitening and Tarter Additives?
It has been our experience that whitening toothpastes don’t work well. Since they are known to cause sensitivity, why risk it when whitening toothpaste could affect how much you enjoy your favorite foods. Need I mention ice cream again?
If you’re concerned about tarter control, the toothpastes that offer that do have a solvent chemical added that actually dissolves calcium deposits. These toothpastes work great for people that don’t have sensitivity issues and they do reduce the amount of tarter build up.
Still Feeling Sensitive?
Please call us for an appointment. You may have a cavity or need a prescription toothpaste. Prescription toothpaste is a great option because it has more flouride in it than regular toothpaste and it can reduce the amount of cavities you get. Contrary to what you might be thinking, prescription toothpaste is actually quite inexpensive and can last anywhere from 3-5 months depending on the size you purchase. Please call us to schedule an appointment to see if prescription toothpaste is right for you.
If you aren’t experiencing sensitivity to your teeth, but you are experiencing dry mouth be sure to let your dentist know because this prescription toothpaste can counteract the damage a dry mouth can cause to teeth. Dry mouth is a concern that’s important to get on top of as it can cause expensive dental problems such as increased decay and gum disease.