If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re at a spa when you’re actually at the dentist’s office (I’m serious…), head to Dr. Victoria Veytsman’s office. With white-washed walls and a great staff, it’s one of the best places to go whether you need a simple teeth cleaning, whitening, or something more labor intensive. Dr. V graduated from New York University’s Dental School at the age of 22 so she’s clearly has a lot of information to share! I’ve spoken with her before about what foods to eat to keep teeth as white as possible, and here she breaks down everything we need to know about shopping for toothpaste!
There are so many toothpastes out there. Is there an actual different from one Crest toothpaste to the other?
There are many different options with toothpastes including tartar control, fluoride, and whitening. While most toothpastes are similar and many have similar ingredients, there are different added agents for your particular needs. For instance, where one toothpaste may have added ingredients for tartar control, another may have added agents for whitening. Speak with your dentist and consider your dental health goals before selecting a particular toothpaste.
What are ingredients that are imperative to have in a toothpaste?
Most toothpastes have water, abrasives, fluorides, surfactants (a detergent type of material that causes foaming), and antibacterial agents. Of these, look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride and remineralization agents like calcium phosphate to help prevent cavities. It is best to find a toothpaste without surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate) if you can since they are harsh materials.
What are your thoughts on non-fluoride, natural toothpastes?
Fluoride helps protect teeth from acid and sugar. It helps strengthen enamel and is naturally occurring. It can also help to remineralize teeth in areas where decay may have started. Fluoride has been instrumental in reducing the rate of tooth decay in our population over the past 40 or so years. In practice, I also see that patients who use fluoride toothpaste have a lower risk for cavities. There are all natural toothpastes that contain fluoride and that is my recommendation for the natural route. Also be sure that whichever toothpaste you choose, it is ADA approved.