Fluoride toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, toothpaste for sensitive teeth or plaque remover... It's not always easy to find your way around the wide variety available. How do you choose the right toothpaste for your teeth? Toothpaste is an essential oral hygiene product at every stage of life. Discover the role of toothpaste, the different formulas on offer and our advice on choosing the best option.
The fundamental role of toothpaste
Toothpaste is an essential part of your daily skincare routine. Combined with the mechanical action of your manual or electric toothbrushToothpaste helps remove food residues and plaque from tooth surfaces, interstices and gums. Toothpaste comes in different forms: paste, gel or powder.
The precise ingredients may vary slightly, but the general composition remains the same, whatever toothpaste brand you choose. Toothpastes contain an abrasive active ingredient to remove plaque and humectants to maintain the product's water content. These substances are complemented by a foaming agent, aromas and colorants.
You don't need to use a lot of toothpaste for it to be effective. We recommend applying a dab of paste to your toothbrush. The most important thing is to adopt a good brushing technique. For this, don't hesitate to consult a dental hygienist in Lausanne, Fribourg or elsewhere in Switzerland.
Toothpaste varieties available
Different ingredients are added to the basic composition of toothpastes to perform other functions. Here are the main benefits you need to know about to choose the right toothpaste for your oral situation:
- Toothpaste for the prevention of dental caries
- Toothpaste against plaque
- Anti-tartar toothpaste
- Toothpaste for good breath
- Whitening toothpaste
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Toothpaste for healthier gums
- Antibacterial toothpaste
- Natural toothpaste
Most of these formulas will protect your teeth. If you find that a toothpaste doesn't suit you, don't hesitate to change it. Some products, especially toothpastes with whitening action, can cause undesirable effects such as tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist in Lausanne, Aigle or Fribourg, at one of our HELVIDENT dental clinics in Switzerland.
Choosing fluoride or non-fluoride toothpaste?
According to the Swiss Society of DentistsThe best toothpaste is fluoride toothpaste. This trace element has proven its worth in preventing cavities. It makes teeth more resistant to acid attack and prevents the proliferation of plaque bacteria.
There has been some debate about the health toxicity of fluoride. In reality, manufacturers add fluoride to toothpastes in the form of fluoride, i.e. salt, not to be confused with fluorine gas, which is toxic. Fluoride is naturally present in tap water, certain mineral waters and black tea.
In general, fluoride content is indicated in ppm (parts per million) on toothpaste packaging. For adults, official recommendations suggest a toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride (i.e. 100 mg/100 g). For younger children, it's best to opt for a children's toothpaste. During the mineralization period, excess fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. The main symptom is staining of the teeth. Here are the recommended fluoride levels for children:
- from age 2 (when the child has learned to spit): 250 ppm fluoride
- from age 3: 500 ppm fluoride
- from age 6: 1,000 ppm fluoride
A few tips for choosing toothpaste
To preserve your tooth enamel, it's best to choose a toothpaste that's not too abrasive. In fact, some products contain polishing and whitening agents that can damage enamel. It's best to use a teeth whitening to a dentist in Fribourg or Lausanne, for example.
We also recommend a toothpaste with a pleasant taste. This will undoubtedly encourage you to brush your teeth more often. Don't forget that the effectiveness of toothpaste depends on the quality, duration and frequency of brushing. The World Health Organization recommends brushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Complement this gesture with interdental cleaning accessories and regular visits to your dentist. He or she will perform scaling and diagnose oral problems in good time.
HELVIDENT welcomes you to its dental centers in Lausanne, Aigle and Fribourg in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Our team of dentists performs all standard and specialized dental procedures.
