Choosing the right products for your oral health can be overwhelming. We have all been there – standing in the dental aisle not knowing which brand or product to buy, surrounded by countless brands and options. But, it’s not just about the brands. Paying attention to the ingredients is what really matters. Below is a list of ingredients that may help you choose which product best fits your needs.
| Toothpaste active ingredients | Mouth Rinse active ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cavity prevention:Sodium flourideStannous flourideMost toothpaste contain either or | Cavity prevention:Sodium fluorideEx: ACT, most mouthrinses |
| Gum health:Stannous fluorideEx: Paradontax toothpaste | Gum health:Cetylpyridinium chlorideHydrogen peroxide |
| Tartar control:Zinc citrate | Tartar control:Cetylpyridinium chlorideEx: Paradontax |
| Whitening:Hydrogen PeroxideBaking soda (gentle-mild abrasiveness)Most toothpaste contain gentle abrasives, by scratching the surfaces to give a whiter appearance | Whitening:Hydrogen peroxideEx: Peroxyl |
| Sensitivity:Stannous fluoridePotassium nitrateEx: Sensodyne | If you experience dry mouth, STAY AWAY from mouth rinses that contain alcohol. |
In addition, there are a couple of ingredients in toothpaste that you may want to avoid: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and charcoal. SLS is an ingredient that can cause mouth sores, redness, and peeling. Not everyone has this allergic reaction, but if you experience any of these symptoms constantly when brushing, check if your toothpaste has SLS- this could be causing the problem. Charcoal, a popular ingredient in toothpaste marketed as a whitening solution, works by being highly abrasive. While it may make your teeth appear whiter, charcoal scratches the enamel surface, which can lead the enamel to wear over time and cause other dental issues in the future.
So, as you stand in the dental aisle surrounded by many options, let this list help you make your decision quickly and easily! And remember, if you are still unsure, you can reach out to your dentist and/or hygienist for personalized recommendations!
Author: Written by Adamaris Reyes, RDH at Manchego Dental.
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