What Kind of Toothpaste Actually Works?
When you walk into any supermarket or pharmacy in Australia, you will see shelves full of toothpaste options that sometimes may feel overwhelming. Some of which promise to whiten your teeth, others claim to be natural or chemical-free, and many target sensitive teeth.
But with so many choices, how do you know what kind of toothpaste actually works?
If you’re also one of the many people who find it overwhelming and confusing to choose what toothpaste works for your teeth, this guide can help you decide better which one you should choose the next time you enter your go-to supermarket or pharmacy.
The Real Purpose of Toothpaste
Let’s start with the basics: toothpaste doesn’t actually clean your teeth.
Shocking, right? Unlike what you already know, toothpaste is not the one that actually cleans your teeth. It’s not the same as soaps that help remove dirt from your hands. Cleaning is a job that mostly belongs to your toothbrush. Your toothpaste is more akin to a topical cream that makes your tooth enamel harder and more resistant to breakdown. .
You can think of toothpaste more like a cream that strengthens your enamel, similar to how moisturiser makes your skin stronger. That minty, fresh feeling after brushing might trick you to feel clean, but the reason behind that comes from the alcohol and flavouring in the toothpaste, not because your teeth are “cleaner.”
The One Ingredient That Makes a Difference: Fluoride
Now, why do we even need toothpaste if it does not clean the teeth? We still need it because of the fluoride that keeps the teeth’s enamel stronger, and it’s what makes a good toothpaste to use.
Fluoride is a mineral that:
- Strengthens tooth enamel
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from food, drinks, and bacteria
In Australia, most mainstream brands of toothpaste contain more than 1000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, which is considered effective and safe to use. Any toothpaste labelled for age 6 and above usually meets this standard, and is readily available anywhere.
Basically, the best toothpaste is one that contains fluoride. Without it, you’re already missing out on real protection for your teeth.
What About Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth?
If you get a sharp, painful sensation when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet, you may have sensitive teeth. Individuals who have sensitive teeth may need to use specialised toothpaste to address the concerns of their teeth. In that case, you might benefit from sensitive toothpaste.
These toothpastes often contain ingredients like:
- Potassium nitrate
- Strontium chloride
These ingredients help block tiny nerve endings on exposed tooth roots, which also helps make the teeth less sensitive over time. Some of the common brands like Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief are great options, and yes, they really do work when used regularly.
While you should look after these two ingredients, it is also important to make sure your sensitive toothpaste still contains fluoride because some don’t have it as a component. That means it may not protect your enamel as a fluoridated toothpaste should.
Do Whitening or Natural Toothpastes Actually Work?
One controversial topic that seems less likely talked about is whether whitening or natural toothpaste actually work. There’s no question that many people are still drawn to these options, especially with more appealing words, like whitening formulas or “natural, fluoride-free” products. But do these really work?
The Verdict for Whitening Toothpastes
Let’s talk about whitening toothpastes.
Whitening toothpastes are often marketed as a quick fix for yellow or stained teeth. But the truth is:
- They don’t actually change the natural colour of your teeth.
- These toothpaste contain abrasive particles designed to scrub away surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking.
For most people, tooth colour is determined by the dentin layer that is beneath the enamel, and not surface stains. So, even with regularly using a whitening toothpaste, the yellowish appearance will not go away if it’s caused by the internal colour of your tooth.
What’s worse is using these abrasive toothpaste over time can wear down enamel. When that outer layer thins, the dentin shows through more and your teeth may look even more yellow, not whiter.
In short, whitening toothpastes typically might remove light surface stains, but they don’t make teeth whiter and can cause long-term enamel damage if used too often.
Fluoride-Free or “Natural” Toothpaste
Fluoride-free toothpastes that are also often labelled as “natural” or “chemical-free” are also becoming more common anywhere, but, unfortunately, they do not protect your teeth.
Fluoride is the essential ingredient that strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. Without it, you’re brushing with something that has no protective benefit, no matter how nice the ingredients sound.
Brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste is essentially like brushing with plain water. Even if it has herbal ingredients or activated charcoal, it cannot replace the benefits that fluoride can offer to the teeth.
Final Thoughts: What Toothpaste Really Works?
When it comes to choosing toothpaste, keep it simple: fluoride is the key. It doesn’t matter what brand you’re choosing or whether you have sensitive or normal teeth, the best toothpaste there is is the one that contains fluoride and suits your needs. Choosing fluoride-free or overly abrasive options can actually do more harm than good to you.
Aside from regular brushing, it’s still best to be proactive when it comes to your teeth by going to regular maintenance and check-ups with your dentist. Whitehorse Dental is here to offer preventive measures to make sure your teeth are always healthy.
Book an appointment today and let our team guide you toward the right oral care choices.
