High-End Toothpaste – Pamper Your Teeth with Caution!

At Northridge Dental Works, we get a lot of questions about which toothpaste to use. We like these queries because it means patients are invested in daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Along with flossing and twice-yearly dental office visits for cleanings and examinations, patients who brush more often will be less likely to need fillings, periodontal care for gum disease, not to mention more elaborate restorations including dental implants. Prevention is always better – and less expensive — than a cure.

The truth is that any of the major brands of fluoridated toothpaste will do a good job, though certain brands might be preferable for particular patients, such as people with tooth sensitivity.

Many specialized toothpaste brands cater to more discriminating consumers. These products may make various claims about helping to make teeth appear whiter or make breath smell sweeter…or maybe people just think they taste a little better. Most of these products are fine for at least occasional use but caution is never a bad thing when it comes to your oral health. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Fluoride!

Go into just about any drug or grocery store and you’re likely to see at least one brand touting that it’s fluoride free. For all but a very small number of people, this is a bug, not a feature!

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been added to many water supplies since the mid-20th century with generally good results for communities around the world. Nearly all legitimate oral healthcare providers agree that fluoride is safe and makes tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.

Despite this long history, fluoride remains controversial in some quarters. We won’t step into the disagreements, which are nearly as old as the use of fluoride, except to say that there is no factual basis for the vast majority of people to be concerned.

There is one exception, however. People with fluoride allergies, which are rare but not unheard of, should probably avoid fluoride toothpaste after checking with their dentist. In these cases, it’s important to be that much more vigilant about keeping your teeth clean and stay in close touch with your dentist.

Potentially Harmful Ingredients

While most of the extra fancy ingredients in high-end toothpastes are harmless, it’s important to be careful of products with charcoal. Brushing with charcoal directly is one of several potentially dangerous fads for teeth whitening that are often promoted on social media. There is no proof that charcoal is either effective or safe for teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide on its own for whitening can be problematic if not used in exactly the right way. Toothpaste with peroxide and fluoride from legitimate companies, on the other hand, should be very safe even if they are not particularly effective. Beware, however, of combining any toothpaste with highly acidic products such as lemon juice and any type of vinegar. While there’s nothing wrong with consuming either of these products in the ordinary way, using them as a whitening treatment can harm enamel. As always, check with your dentist if you’re trying anything out of the ordinary.

Allergies

One thing about using products with unusual ingredients you may not have previously encountered is that it increases the risks of allergies. If you notice rashes or major or minor gum irritation, stop using the fancy new toothpaste and go back to your former brand. If the problem clears up, throw away the offending product. If the problem lingers, you may have an unrelated condition. Contact your dentist ASAP.

Making the Right Decisions for Your Oral Health

Northridge Dental Works is one of the most respected full-service dental and oral health care offices in Southern California. We are led by top Los Angeles San Fernando Valley dentist Dr. Niloo Tavakol. She is a widely respected expert who has helped countless people maintain and restore their oral health.

For more information, please call us at the number on your screen or reach out by email through our contact page.