Visiting the dentist every six months for regular dental exams and cleanings is the best thing you can do for your oral health, but at-home dental hygiene is just as important.
Your best bet for keeping your mouth healthy between dental appointments is by having a thorough at-home dental hygiene regiment. This all starts with quality toothpaste.
Generally, toothpastes should include gentle abrasives (magnesium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, calcium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, phosphate salts), substances that keep the toothpaste from drying out (glycerol, sorbitol, or other “humectants”), and thickeners to give the toothpaste a homogenous appearance and texture (seaweed, mineral colloids, synthetic cellulose, natural gum). Quality toothpastes should also contain fluoride to help make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay, flavoring agents that do not cause tooth decay (saccharin, for example), and detergents, such as sodium lauryl sarcosinate, to make the toothpaste foamy.
While aisles and aisles of toothpastes in the grocery store may seem overwhelming, there’s a perfect “cheat” to help you out. Just look for the ADA seal of approval. This symbol means that the toothpaste manufacturer has participated in a voluntary testing program conducted by the ADA to test the product’s safety and effectiveness. Toothpastes that don’t do what they claim to do, contain sugar, etc. will not get the label.
I’m Dr. Amanda Foust, and your dental health is my priority, so I encourage you to call my family dental office in Ankeny, Iowa at (515) 965-0230 for more information.
