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Choosing A Toothpaste

Family Dentistry Pasadena, Deer Park Texas

Best Dentist Pasadena Texas

Choosing a toothpaste.

Fluoride Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride and the ADA seal of approval.  Other than fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and fights decay, toothpastes contain abrasives to remove stain and polish the teeth and ingredients to leave the mouth with a clean, fresh feeling. Our office likes Colgate Total and Crest Pro-Health toothpastes.

Sensitive Teeth If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, choose a desensitizing paste with either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate as an added ingredient. Expect about 4-6 weeks to see real improvement.

Tartar Control There are brands of toothpaste that advertise “tartar control” and usually have the active ingredient pyrophosphate. While it will not remove tartar, studies have shown it will reduce tartar formation up to 36%. Tartar [calculus] can only be removed with a professional prophylaxis [cleaning].

Abrasiveness Many toothpastes now contain baking soda, which is less abrasive. This is advantageous for reducing tooth sensitivity in people with gum recession or those who have eroded their teeth by rigorous brushing with an abrasive toothpaste.

Whitening Bleaching teeth to make them lighter has become popular. If you desire a whitening toothpaste, look for the active whitening agents of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These toothpastes serve best to maintain the tooth shade after bleaching procedures. However, these ‘whitening’ toothpastes barely whiten teeth.  Call our office if you have teeth bleaching questions.

I have had two cavities in the past five years. It is embarrassing when the Dentist gets a cavity. I now use Prevident prescription toothpaste (a prescription toothpaste) at night for advanced protection. If it is good enough for me, it is good enough for my patients. You will hear me recommend Prevident to you because it will strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to bacteria and cavities. Prevident is available from our office and we are less expensive then the pharmacy. The Prevident will last a long time because you will use it just at night.

Pasadena Texas Family Dentist

Dr. Nugent has the honor of serving Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, League City, Clear Lake, Friendswood and Houston, Texas. Come visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504 or call us at 713-941-8261.