These days when you go to the grocery store or your local health food store, the number of toothpaste choices on the shelves is overwhelming. With annual sales of more than $1.5 billion, the toothpaste industry has evolved into something most of us couldn’t have predicted. Today there are a dizzying array of flavors, formulations, colors, and other options, making it difficult to know which direction to go in. From trendy packaging and fancy dispensers to products that promise to calm sensitive molars, prevent gum disease, and whiten your teeth in a just a few brushes, it’s not hard to see why so many people have anxiety surrounding the toothpaste aisle.
While the number of toothpaste manufacturers hasn’t necessarily grown a lot, each company seems to have come up with endless product offerings. The household names are still going strong – think Crest and Colgate – but eco-friendly competitors like Tom’s and Jason’s are also making a name for themselves. Toothpaste is one of those things that many people have a loyalty, or preference, too. If you’ve used Crest your whole life, chances are you will keep using it.
So, which brand should you gravitate towards the next time you need to re-up your toothpaste? The fact of the matter is that pretty much every toothpaste on the market today is probably worth trying. Everyone is different and various toothpastes may work better for some than others. A recent survey conducted by the American Dental Association found that more than half of all adults have concerns about caring for their teeth and want to find products that will benefit their overall oral health and wellness. However, that same survey also found that 56 percent of adults aren’t sure exactly which dental products they should be buying. Thanks to the internet and creative branding, there is a lot of hype out there today surrounding toothpaste and other oral care products. While many of us fall victim to catchy advertising, most dental experts agree that brushing your teeth with regular old fluoride toothpaste is just fine. When combined with regular flossing and visiting your Irving dentist at least twice a year, you are sure to have gorgeous teeth.
Toothpaste – It’s Personal
The major takeaway from this is that toothpaste is highly personal. Sure, we can tell you our favorite brands and why we like them, but we encourage you to take a few different options for a test run and see which makes your mouth feel the best. If you have special dental needs or implants, there are a handful of choices out there you should stick to, but other than that we say it’s up to you. We are of course always available to answer any questions you may have about a specific toothpaste or help you decide which is right for your needs. Practicing good dental hygiene is important not only to your oral health, but to your whole system. Many people don’t realize just how connected the teeth, mouth, and gums are to your overall health and wellness, and this starts with what toothpaste you use.
For more information on how to choose the best toothpaste for your needs or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Irving dentists, please do not hesitate to contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today.
