How to choose your toothpaste?

It all depends on your motivation

To maximize the benefits of tooth brushing, it is possible to choose a toothpaste specially designed for the specificities of your oral condition. Of course, the use of the right toothpaste must be combined with the use of a quality toothbrush, which helps to remove plaque, which accumulates on the teeth after every meal or snack.

Oral health professionals recommend brushing twice a day or more for two minutes and flossing every day. Brushing should ideally take place after each meal.

Toothpaste can perform different functions that can motivate your choice:

• Prevention of dental caries and repair of fragile areas: the fluoride contained in some toothpastes helps to fight cavities by contributing to the remineralization of the enamel and by slowing down the action of bacteria present in the mouth;
• Prevention of tartar: In combination with the mechanical action of brushing, which helps to remove plaque, “antitartar” agents, contained in some toothpastes, delay the appearance of tartar;
• Reducing the risk of gingivitis: toothpastes contain antiseptic agents that kill germs and delay the formation of plaque, which causes gum inflammation;
• Decreased tooth sensitivity: so-called “desensitizing” toothpastes numb the nerve of the tooth, thus blocking the pain signal;
• Stain prevention: whitening toothpastes should be used sparingly, as they are abrasive. They are recommended for stains caused by tea, coffee and cigarettes. They do not affect the natural colour of teeth.

The Canadian Dental Association seal indicates the compliance of toothpastes that display it with different requirements. However, this seal is not essential; some toothpastes that do not have it are of the same quality as those that do.