What toothpaste should I use?

I can take two approaches to this blog post.

The first approach is to tell you the general statements about toothpastes, which I will do. The second approach I will take is to tell you about the toothpaste that I use personally and the reasons why.

So firstly, the toothpaste you “should” use is any toothpaste that contains 1000 ppm fluoride. To save you the bother, most over-the-counter toothpastes have that strength of fluoride. Formulations for babies/children mainly have 500ppm i.e. half the strength. This is to stop the incidence of fluorosis in the permanent adult teeth. Fluorosis is responsible for the sometimes white/chalky staining and/or appearance of teeth, which is an acceptable side effect compared to the protective effects of fluoridated toothpaste.

Now, I know there’s conjecture and information out there about the potentially toxic/harmful effects of fluoride however I encourage all readers and fluoride “not-fans” to research fluoride on an academic level. So far as I’m aware, fluoride in a topical form and used to clean teeth will not cause any long-term systemic health problems.

So, this leads to my next approach.

The toothpaste I use and recommend to my patients is…drum roll…wait for it, Colgate Total. Colgate Total has fluoride and triclosan which stops plaque (which contains the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease). I’ve found over the years and after using many toothpastes recommended by sales representatives and what’s available on the market, that Colgate Total seems to leave my teeth feeling clean and plaque free longer than any other toothpaste.

I believe in simple ideas. One of those is, “what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander”. If I use it and I recommend it to my close friends and family, then it’s good enough for my patients.

There are new toothpastes and non-fluoridated toothpastes available on the market which will be the subject of my next post however for now, if you are scanning the aisles for your next toothpaste…maybe reach out for Colgate Total and give it a go, to see what you think.

Alternatively, come into Enso Dental North Perth and ask to join our practice as a member to receive the added bonus of 12 toothpastes and 6 toothbrushes a year. Rather than going shopping and having to remember to buy toothpaste and toothbrushes, we’ll supply you with enough to get you through until the next continuing care appointment with us.

Call us on 6382 3399 to book in for an appointment today.

Enso Dental
Dr. Rahul Reddy