Toothpaste?

KyleWPeterson

Toothpaste is one of those products where I see a million different things being advertised for it and don't know which ones, if any, are actually important. What toothpaste is the best for oral hygiene?

Kyle

Rook

The one that makes you want to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss regularly. Other than that, it's all marketing.

Gihgehls

I worked for a dentist that told me toothpaste isn't really needed for cleaning your teeth. It's useful for whitening and freshening your breath, but the action of the bristles alone is good enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

reminderGTO

Yeah just buy whatever you like/what is cheap.

Gihgehls wrote: »

I worked for a dentist that told me toothpaste isn't really needed for cleaning your teeth. It's useful for whitening and freshening your breath, but the action of the bristles alone is good enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

I work for a dentist too and I heard this as well. Could we be brothers?

Fireflash

My dentist told me to avoid toothpastes with sodium bicarbonate. They may help with removing stains on your teeth but they also damage them over time.

ASimPerson

I use Aquafresh because it doesn't taste terrible. Your mileage may vary.

Rainbulimic

Just to hijack this thread ever so slightly, how often is TOO often for flossing? I was flossing after meals, but then I read elsewhere that once a day was sufficient, and I don't want to hurt my gums.

the wook

i've heard multiple times that you should floss at least twice daily, and that flossing is more important than brushing in the scheme of things.

TychoCelchuuu

All toothpaste really does is act as an abrasive, as far as I know, so it's not a big deal. I prefer ones that freshen your breath because I like the nice, clean feeling.

RUNN1NGMAN

Fluoride is important too, but as far as I know there's no such thing anymore as a toothpaste without fluoride. Maybe there's some weird 100% natural stuff out there that doesn't.

Regina Fong

Gihgehls wrote: »

I worked for a dentist that told me toothpaste isn't really needed for cleaning your teeth. It's useful for whitening and freshening your breath, but the action of the bristles alone is good enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Perhaps not, but if you have soft, cavity-prone teeth (like me) then the fluoride is helpful.

Smug Duckling

If you can afford it, get a good electric toothbrush and skip the toothpaste. With floss, those things are crazy effective. My dentist loves me for using it.

Dalboz

Fireflash wrote: »

My dentist told me to avoid toothpastes with sodium bicarbonate. They may help with removing stains on your teeth but they also damage them over time.

Baking soda? Really? It used to be recommended to brush your teeth with baking soda. Then again, doctors used to recommend smoking after meals to help digestion, too. I've been using Arm & Hammer toothpaste for years, using the peroxicare version to keep stains off my teeth. And I thought the baking soda was good for neutralizing acid that bacteria produce, which is what weakens enamel.

But still, the others are right. I've heard time and again that it's not what you brush with that counts, but rather how long and thoroughly you brush.

LondonBridge

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

Regina Fong

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

My friend has the same allergy, and Tom's is the only toothpaste he can use. I can't remember which specific chemical it is that he's allergic to.

Atlus Parker

jeepguy wrote: »

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

My friend has the same allergy, and Tom's is the only toothpaste he can use. I can't remember which specific chemical it is that he's allergic to.

I recently switched to Tom's and I am pleased with the fresh sensation left in my mouth afterward.

RUNN1NGMAN

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

Yeah, there's a chemical in most toothpaste that's sole purpose is to make toothpaste foam up. Seriously. Because apparently people need foamy toothpaste. Anyway, that chemical also causes mouth sores, and some people are more sensitive than others.

Kriz

my dentist said anything with the ADA symbol on it is fine and also recommended a fluoride mouthwash as a little added protection against cavities.

tom's has both, each with an ADA approved version, so while they don't have unnecessary colors, chemicals, or junk in them, at least it's not like brushing your teeth with berries and herbs.

JebusUD

I like the total select or complete or whatever it is. You know, the fancy total toothpaste. It makes my teeth and gums feel good.

edit: wait, the one I like isnt total its the crest pro health one that ceres said.

ceres

I need to use a toothpaste with a sensitivity ingredient, because I have that thing where the grooves in my teeth are very deep, and otherwise I end up with every-fucking-thing I put in my mouth hurting my teeth. I end up using the Crest Pro-Health for nighttime.

trantramp

I just get the colgate whitening one because well... it makes my teeth white as fuck and i've never had any problems.

Trowizilla

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

Those are called canker sores. I get them if I bite the inside of my cheek or my tongue and then brush too soon after. Horrible, horrible things.

LondonBridge

Trowizilla wrote: »

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

Those are called canker sores. I get them if I bite the inside of my cheek or my tongue and then brush too soon after. Horrible, horrible things.

No, its not canker sores. I've had canker sores when I was a kid due to poor nutrition, didn't eat my greens like my Mom warned me. It's like big tight water blisters till I went with Tom's.

I also use Listerine but only a few times a week as they can fuck up your gums I hear.

AresProphet

RUNN1NGMAN wrote: »

LondonBridge wrote: »

I used Tom's all natural toothpaste as there is chemical in regular toothpaste that caused these weird blisters inside my mouth. NO, NOT FUCKING COLD SORE HERPES!!

Yeah, there's a chemical in most toothpaste that's sole purpose is to make toothpaste foam up. Seriously. Because apparently people need foamy toothpaste. Anyway, that chemical also causes mouth sores, and some people are more sensitive than others.

Sodium lauryl sulfate, or something. I starting using toothpastes without it to cut down on canker sores and I guess it sort of worked. Still get them, just slightly less often.

I've heard that some people are super allergic to the stuff and that brushing just once with it fills their mouth with canker sores, but I'm not sure that's what was doing it for me. Non-foamy toothpaste is really weird though.

Corvus

I got recommended Sensodyne by my dentist for having sensitive teeth, but after looking at the boxes in the store, the Arm and Hammer Sensitive toothpaste had the exact same amount of the desensitizing chemical as sensodyne, and is usually cheaper.

Basar

I use Sensodyne Total Care by GlaxoSmithKline. I like it. It's yummy.