Your Guide to Picking the Right Toothpaste

When it comes to picking the right toothpaste, you might be overwhelmed by the selection at the grocery or drug store. After all, you likely have found yourself in an aisle dedicated to toothbrushes, mouth rinses and toothpaste! With, say, 50 plus toothpaste variations to choose from how do you know which is best.

There is No Best Toothpaste (But Many Good Ones)

To answer the question, “What is the best toothpaste” we turn to our friends at the Candian Dental Association. Here we quickly find that there are many that meet and receive their “seal of approval”. Take a look as they have over 40 listed from several brands. What is an approved product, per the CDA?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal Program is a symbol that identifies products that are of benefit to the oral health of consumers. The Seal is designed to help the public and dental professionals make informed choices.

Of course, we always wish to provide quality information to our patients and all our readers here and we support the CDA approved recommendations. Now that we’ve quickly established there are many toothpaste products on the market, we have two recommendations…because we know you’re still thinking, “Which should I pick”! Okay, okay…

1. Pick your favourite! Whether it is because of the taste or the colour, it’s all good! You’re free to be subjective here 🙂
2. Pick the toothpaste that is on sale! Yes, among those that you are considering – and if you’re not fussy about taste – pick the cheapest one. Maybe with the savings you can buy some floss (flossing is a must, more on that!).

So you’ve selected the toothpaste that is right for you, but that’s only half the equation.

Toothpaste and What Matters Even More

So, you’ve established the best toothpaste for you and your family. Now that quality toothpaste will only do it’s job if it is put to work – properly and regularly.

Brushing Technique + Great Toothpaste

We’ve talked about how to brush your teeth the right way so if you need a refresher, read here. In summary, it is all about brushing the right way and for long enough a period. Brushing also means not forgetting about your tongue, where bacteria lingers. Ensuring you’re brushing using the right angle and getting into the gums and the entire tooth surface is vital. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy…but never rush a brush 🙂  As a reminder, you should floss before you finish with a clean final rinse.

Brushing Frequency + Great Toothpaste

With the right toothpaste and great technique, you’re on your way. But brushing several times each and every day is vital – at least twice but ideally three times per day. It’s not recommended you miss brushing at all, but perhaps the most important time is before bed as you don’t want food and bacteria (proliferating) in your mouth overnight.

With your ultimate toothpaste bottle in hand, you can be confident you’re using the right product – the rest is up to your good oral hygiene habits. Of course, visiting the dentist regularly will help ensure you’re on track.

If you’ve questions on maintaining your dental health, feel free to call the team at Reflections Dental in Oakville.