When you go to see your dentist, you probably want to know more about what’s going on with your teeth and whether you have cavities. For this reason, you might forget to ask about how to take care of your teeth at home, and that starts with using the right toothpaste. Here’s a quick overview of a few different types of toothpaste you can use to fight cavities and impress your dentist whenever you go in for an appointment:
- Anti-cavity–Most of these toothpastes will contain a certain amount of fluoride. Using a toothpaste with fluoride in it is a good idea because it works on re-mineralizing the teeth even when plaque is still present.
- Desensitizing–Do your teeth hurt when they’re exposed to hot or cold food? If so, your dentist might recommend a desensitizing toothpaste. These toothpastes contain compounds that block the signals going from the tooth to the nerve, but it usually takes up to a month to start noticing results.
- Whitening–If you want a whiter smile, a whitening toothpaste is for you! These toothpastes, contain polishing or chemical agents designed to eliminate stains from the surface of teeth. Keep in mind that while these toothpastes can make your smile brighter, they can only brighten up to the natural colour of your teeth.
- Tartar-control–Tartar-control toothpastes limit the buildup of tartar on your teeth. However, keep in mind that once tartar forms, only a dental professional can remove it.