Mint or fruit? Gel or paste? Fluoride or not? When it comes to choosing a toothpaste, consumers must go through a myriad of decisions as store shelves are loaded with a plethora of choices. On any give day, individuals charged with buying the oral hygiene necessity may be overwhelmed by the task as there are more than 350 varieties for sale. Each type is marketed to target a specific dental problem or issue and regardless of whether a product is going to whiten teeth or reduce tooth decay, knowing what benefits you personally want can help narrow the toothpaste selection process.

Ever since fluoride filled Crest became available for purchase in 1955, the oral hygiene industry has grown to have annually revenues exceeding the $2 billion dollar mark. Prior to the product launch, dental care was thought to be purely a cosmetic issue, but the new toothpaste brand helped pave the way for product competition that is commonplace today.

No matter what you want your toothpaste to do, consumers should make sure that the brand they are eying has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. In 1960, Crest became the first toothpaste to earn that accreditation. Now the ADA will only delivered the thumbs up after a thorough analysis of a dental care product ingredients and after marketing claims have been validated. Once that Seal of Acceptance label has been spotted, individuals can feel free to choose any flavor, brand, paste or gel they see fit and can customize their choice to improve their dental health.

Tartar Control

The oral hygiene practice of tooth brushing (backed by flossing) is essential to removing dental plaque, the nasty community of oral bacteria that contribute to dental problems including tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. If plaque is left on teeth unchecked, over time it will harden and become stubborn plaque. That tartar will attract more plaque, cause unsavory tooth staining and contribute to dental problems.

Prior to the 1980’s, individuals only had the options of brushing, flossing and getting professional dental care to ward off tartar. That changed in when Crest launched the very first tartar control toothpastes.

When it comes to current brands of tartar control toothpaste, options featuring the ADA seal of approval can remove surface staining and reduce gum inflammation. While only a professional dental care practitioner can thoroughly and correctly remove tartar buildup, toothpastes specifically targeting the issue can slow down the rate at which the substance builds. The chemicals in the product can put the breaks on new accumulation and help improve tooth color. Individuals with tooth sensitivity may want to avoid this product as it could aggravate the condition.

Prevent Tooth Erosion

Each and every tooth has a protective layer of tooth enamel covering the crown of a tooth. That highly mineralized substance is the hardest produced by the human body and is what gives teeth their pearly white. However, it still can be eroded by dental neglect, excessive wear and tear and trauma. Fortunately there are several toothpastes that can help prevent excessive erosion of the substance.

Individuals suffering from thinning tooth enamel can opt for an enamel care toothpaste. This variety is gentler then regular toothpastes as the have lower levels of abrasives. Additionally, some have the added benefit of calcium that has been clinically proven to make teeth stronger.

Lower Tooth Sensitivity

When tooth enamel erodes to the point of no return, tooth sensitivity and yellow teeth can be the side effects. Underneath tooth enamel is dentin that is naturally yellow in hue and similar to bones. While dentin is somewhat of a self-regenerating substance, enamel is not and tooth sensitivity can only be reduced by avoiding scenarios like eating foods that are either cold or hot, laying off the sweets, only breathing through the nose and by using toothpastes specifically designed to minimize pain.

Sensitive formula toothpastes contain potassium nitrate as the main ingredient. That additive will penetrate the pores in a tooth and within 2 to 4 weeks, create a protective layer over the nerve and damaged dentin.

Regardless of what you are looking for in a toothpaste, there are options. Individuals needing further tips for toothpaste selection will be able to get the best advice from their dentist.