When it comes to taking care of your teeth, there’s no doubt that regular brushing is crucial. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day can help prevent plaque buildup on your teeth which can lead to cavities or gum disease. We’ve covered what to look for in a toothbrush before on the blog, but what about the other important part of your toothbrushing duo—toothpaste?

It can be a daunting task choosing the right kind of toothpaste for you and your pearly whites. With so many options available when you shop the dental care aisle of your local grocery store, the process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. While there are some important things to look out for when choosing your toothpaste, a lot of it ends up coming down to your personal preference. If the many colorful boxes of toothpaste options are still overwhelming you, though, read on to find out some tips and tricks that can help you make the right choice.

What Things Should You Look for in a Toothpaste?

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing toothpaste. The most important questions to think of are in regards to your personal needs. Has your dentist mentioned that you need tartar protection? Do you have gum disease? What about sensitive teeth? Are you looking for a toothpaste for you, your kids, or the whole family? 

Many different things can factor into the type of toothpaste you choose, and some of those things are related to your own personal preferences and needs. There are a few things, though, that you can do when you find yourself in the toothpaste aisle next. Be sure to check labels, check the ingredients to ensure that the toothpaste contains fluoride, look for ADA (American Dental Association) approval, and pick the best brand for your personal needs and price point.

The first thing to look for on the label of any given toothpaste is the fluoride content. Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, and it’s a mineral that aids greatly in dental health. Fluoride protects your teeth and can even repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride is even added to water supplies because it is so effective at helping to prevent tooth decay.

The next thing to look for is the ADA’s seal of approval. If a toothpaste brand has this noted on the packaging for their toothpaste, this means it is one step above the rest. Toothpaste manufacturers are required to conduct clinical trials of their toothpaste and return their results to the ADA for evaluation in order to receive this seal of approval. Because this is a somewhat rigorous process, the ADA seal of approval is an excellent indicator of quality when it comes to evaluating your toothpaste choices.

Ultimately Choose a Toothpaste That’s Best For You

Once you’ve narrowed down your toothpaste choices to a few that contain fluoride and have the ADA’s seal of approval, your final decision is really a personal one. You’ll want a toothpaste that is the flavor you prefer, for example, and you might have a preference for whether it’s a gel or a paste. If you’re still not certain which pick is best for you, you can always discuss your options with your dentist at your next regularly scheduled teeth cleaning. They can help you narrow down your choices even further to ensure that you end up with toothpaste that’s perfect for you and all your dental hygiene needs.