Brushing is Fundamental for Oral Health
Toothpaste is considered an essential product in Canadian households. According to the Canadian Dental Association, gum disease develops in 70% of Canadians at different points in their lives. Brushing daily using toothpaste with fluoride is considered a fundamental need in the fight against gum disease.
Although the dental industry has seen many innovative changes during the last 20 years, the basic requirement of brushing and flossing remain the most important thing a person can do to keep their teeth and gums healthy. “Brushing two to three times each day with a toothpaste containing fluoride is your best defense against invading bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease” – Dr. Mathews
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Standing in a drug store and picking one brand of toothpaste from a wall of hundreds of brands and types can get you confused and overwhelmed. So, which one should you buy? Everyone has different needs, but you can at least narrow your search by ingredients. Most dentists will recommend getting a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Did you know that in many Ontario cities fluoride has been removed from the water supply? Fluoride is still the most important mineral for keeping our teeth strong, so don’t overlook the benefits of toothpaste with fluoride.
Narrow Your Search
Second to that, you can further narrow your selection by your specific needs. Some toothpastes reduce sensitivity, whiten teeth, fight tartar, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath. To the degree that many toothpastes accomplish these things is for you to decide. There are a few ingredients however that you should avoid as their benefits are outweighed by their health risks. Case and point; toothpastes that contain sugar are counterintuitive, and while they might make brushing more enjoyable, the sugar you smear all over your mouth can do more harm than good. Many toothpaste manufacturers use titanium dioxide to whiten toothpaste itself despite claims that titanium dioxide may be carcinogenic and be a catalyst for colitis.
It is for these reasons, researchers at VeryWell Health (in their study for Amazon) claim the following to be the best toothpastes in 2020…
- Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste with Fluoride – Best Overall
- Crest Pro-Health Pro Active Defense Deep Clean – Best Budget
- Arm & Hammer Advance White – Best Whitening
- Cali White Activated Charcoal & Organic Coconut Oil Teeth WHITENING – Best Charcoal
- Parodontax Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums, Gingivitis Treatment – Best for Gum Disease
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Enamel – Best for Sensitivity
- TheraBreath 24-Hour Fresh Breath Toothpaste – Best for Fresh Breath
- Biotene Fresh Mint Original – Best for Dry Mouth