Toothpaste is Vital to Your Oral Hygiene
Everyone knows about the importance of having a good oral hygiene routine. From the moment your teeth first start growing in, caring for your teeth has been an integral part of your overall health and well-being. A good oral hygiene routine typically consists of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. It also includes visiting your dentist for a dental exam at least twice a year (or every six months).
However, there is still more you need to know. While it seems inconsequential, the tools you use also play a significant role. We understand that without a quality toothbrush, you can’t remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth effectively. Getting a brush with the right bristles that can clean your teeth without hurting your gums is crucial. However, do you know how vital quality toothpaste is?
Too many people think that they can brush with any toothpaste, but they would be wrong. The American Dental Association (ADA) has set standards that all toothpaste entering the market should meet. These standards ensure that toothpaste is effective and safe to use. However, not every toothpaste is ADA-approved. Before you grab the cheapest toothpaste, check to see if it is ADA-approved. If not, you might want to rethink your decision.
A good oral hygiene routine involves brushing your teeth regularly with quality toothpaste. While it may not seem like a big deal, it can go a long way. If you are looking for toothpaste recommendations or would like to schedule your next dental exam, contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today.
ADA Seal of Approval
Since we briefly touched on it, we’re going to take a closer look at ADA-approved toothpaste. As we said before, the ADA has a set of standards that all toothpaste brands must meet before entering the market. These brands must conduct laboratory and clinical studies that demonstrate the efficacy of their toothpaste, as well as proving the toothpaste is safe to use.
Along with providing the ADA with data from these studies, all toothpaste must also contain fluoride, along with active ingredients that help reduce tooth sensitivity, whiten teeth, reduce gingivitis or tartar build-up, and prevent enamel erosion and bad breath. These toothpastes cannot contain flavoring agents that can lead to tooth decay (such as sugar). If a product does not contain fluoride, the ADA will reject it.
A product that earns the ADA seal of acceptance is a quality product and is safe and effective to use. It passes all tests, proving that it will clean and protect your teeth, among other things.
Fluoride vs. Non-Fluoride Toothpaste
One of the standards the ADA set for their toothpaste is that they must all contain fluoride. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in all toothpaste. This naturally occurring mineral protects your teeth from plaque build-up and can help prevent cavities. While your toothbrush scrubs away harmful substances, fluoride goes a step further by providing an added level of protection for the enamel on your teeth.
Fluoride helps develop your enamel at a young age, ensuring that it’s as hard as possible to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Continued fluoride use helps the enamel remain strong. Fluoride also has a remineralizing effect, rebuilding weakened enamel before it wears away forever.
While fluoride is in roughly three-quarters of the public water supply in the U.S., the amount is not always enough to offer full protection. That is why fluoride is in toothpaste, to provide you with the appropriate amount of fluoride directly.
The Benefits of Quality Toothpaste
The surest sign that your toothpaste is effective is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It ensures that the toothpaste is not only safe to use but is also successful in cleaning your teeth and keeping them healthy. There are plenty of toothpaste products that contain ingredients, such as sugar, that can actually harm your teeth. Always keep an eye out for that ADA seal.
Some of the benefits of ADA-approved quality toothpaste include:
- Scientifically Tested and Proven: To earn the ADA’s seal of approval, toothpaste manufacturers must conduct thorough tests and studies to ensure their product is safe and effective. The ADA will examine the data provided to them by the manufacturer to verify its safety and efficacy.
- Contains Helpful Ingredients: Quality toothpaste contains ingredients that maintain the health of your teeth. Along with fluoride, quality toothpaste may also contain desensitizing agents, antimicrobial agents, peroxide, and more. The ADA seal assures that a product has all the necessary ingredients.
- No Side Effects: During the testing process, toothpaste manufacturers work to ensure that their product does what it should do without leading to any adverse reactions. Many cheap toothpaste products with ADA approval can lead to side effects.
- Offers Desired Results: As a product goes through an arduous testing process, the ADA verifies that each product does what it’s intended to do. If toothpaste claims to prevent tartar build-up, the ADA will test to verify this claim. If the product doesn’t do it, they will reject it. So, when toothpaste has an ADA seal, that assures it offers the desired results.
Contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Brushing your teeth twice a day should be a part of your daily routine, along with flossing. However, the type of toothpaste you use plays a vital role in the health of your teeth. While many people try to get the cheapest toothpaste possible to save themselves a dollar or two, doing so can actually do more harm than good.
Non-ADA-approved products may contain ingredients that damage the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay. Quality toothpaste contains active ingredients like fluoride that strengthen and protects your teeth. Look for the ADA seal of approval to ensure that not only does the product contain helpful ingredients, but it also does what it claims to do.
If you are looking for a recommendation or need a dental cleaning, contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today. We will provide you with all the information you need to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
