Buzz
Though some fancy toothpastes come in vibrant colors and contain unique ingredients, they likely don’t provide superior dental health compared to standard drugstore options. Here’s what to check for when trying a new brand:
Abrasives
Toothpastes offer a bit of mechanical assistance for scrubbing, which is their primary function. Gritty particles help remove bacterial plaque from teeth. Common abrasives include calcium carbonate, silica, aluminum oxide, and magnesium carbonate. Charcoal can also act as an abrasive, though some dentists warn that it might be too abrasive for your teeth.
Fluoride or Perhaps an Alternative
Bacteria are continually breaking down your teeth, while your teeth are working to repair themselves. (Your saliva naturally contains calcium to assist in this process.) This process, known as remineralization, is supported by fluoride. Any toothpaste bearing the American Dental Association seal must contain fluoride.
Some brands are now using hydroxyapatite as an alternative. Research indicates that hydroxyapatite may be just as effective as fluoride for remineralizing teeth, though the evidence isn't yet conclusive enough for most dentists to recommend it. If you need to avoid fluoride for specific reasons, consult your dentist about hydroxyapatite; but for now, it's likely best for most people to stick with fluoride toothpastes.
Ingredients for Texture and Taste
Other ingredients mainly serve to make the toothpaste easy and enjoyable to use. Humectants maintain a gel-like consistency, while foaming agents help it bubble as you brush. Toothpastes without these ingredients can still effectively clean your teeth. (I personally use a toothpaste without foaming agents and prefer it.)
Flavorings are just that—flavorings—and sweeteners these days are usually artificial, like saccharin. Toothpaste brands won’t get the ADA’s seal of approval if they contain sugar. I promise, I’m not in cahoots with Big Dental, but personally, I prefer the ADA-approved options at the drugstore over a trendy new brand, no matter how photogenic it is.
