Regularly brushing our teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing are the two best things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene. (Of course, avoiding sugar and having regular dental checkups are high on the list, too.) But with so many toothpaste options, it’s hard to know which toothpaste to choose.
From kids to seniors, each age group has specific dental needs, so it’s vital you choose a toothpaste that is right for you or your loved ones.
We hope this article takes the confusion away from these decisions and makes navigating the supermarket shelves a little easier for you.
VITAL TAKEAWAYS
• Fluoride is the most essential ingredient to look for in toothpaste
• Bubs under 18 months don’t need toothpaste
• Children under age 6 require toothpaste with lower levels of fluoride
• Adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Children should use a tiny smear (less than pea-sized) of toothpaste
“Toothpaste serves several purposes: it helps remove plaque, freshen breath, prevent cavities — and, in some cases, address specific dental concerns like sensitivity or gum disease…”
First, let’s understand the basics of toothpaste
Toothpaste serves several purposes: it helps remove plaque, freshen breath, prevent cavities — and, in some cases, address specific dental concerns like sensitivity or gum disease.
Most toothpastes in Australia contain fluoride — and unless you’ve been specifically told otherwise by your dentist— fluoride is the number one ingredient you should look for. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens and seals the enamel and prevents decay.
Aside from fluoride, toothpaste also contains other ingredients, such as surfactants (which create foam and help spread the toothpaste), abrasive agents (to help physically clean the teeth and remove stains), whitening agents (to help lighten the colour of the teeth), desensitising agents (to help treat tooth sensitivity), and tartar control ingredients.
Then, there are a bunch of other ingredients that give toothpaste its colour, thickness and so on. You can see the complete list of toothpaste ingredients on the Australian Dental Association’s website here.
TIP: When choosing a toothpaste, always check for the Australian Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval, which ensures the product meets Australian quality standards.
When to start using toothpaste
- 0 to 18 months: Babies of this age do not require toothpaste when brushing
- 18 months to 6 years: Young children need to use just a smear of fluoridated toothpaste, but it must be at a lower dose than adult toothpaste. Why so? Young ones don’t have the same gag reflexes as adults and can easily swallow toothpaste. We lower the fluoride dose as a safety measure to prevent children ingesting too much of the chemical (and developing fluorosis). Look out for toothpaste advertised for children and check that the fluoride dosage is 500 ppm. You’ll also find that these kinds of toothpaste come in a range of enticing flavours for kids, which all help to encourage them to brush regularly. Look out for brands like Colgate and Oral-B Kids which offer gentle options.
- Children 6 years and over to adults: Look for toothpaste with fluoride advertised as an ingredient. Different strengths of fluoride are available, ranging from 1000 parts per million (ppm) to 1450 ppm.
Generally, you can choose the strength of fluoride you like. Still, if you have a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend you opt for toothpaste with a higher amount of fluoride.
Higher-risk individuals possibly requiring more fluoride may include those who are:
• wearing braces
• have severe tooth decay
• consuming a high-sugar diet
• have a dry mouth or low amounts of saliva
• not able to access fluoridated water
• having difficulty brushing their teeth (e.g. suffer severe arthritis or motor control problems)
TIP: Supervise your child while brushing to ensure they use only a smear of toothpaste (less than pea-sized) and avoid swallowing it.
NB: Adults require a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Adult toothpaste for specific concerns
There are a variety of toothpastes available to address different oral health concerns, such as:
Gum Health: For those prone to gum disease, look for toothpastes that address gingivitis and promote gum health. Products like Colgate Total and Oral-B Gum Care are effective.
Tooth sensitivity: If you experience tooth sensitivity, choose a toothpaste with ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. These can protect exposed roots and alleviate discomfort. Brands like Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive are widely recommended.
Whitening Concerns: Teenagers may prefer whitening toothpastes to tackle surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or soft drinks. However, these should be used sparingly as excessive use of whitening toothpaste can be abrasive and damage enamel. Talk to your dentist or hygienist if you or your teen are keen to whiten your teeth as they can suggest better, safer alternatives.
Orthodontic Needs: If your teen has braces, look for toothpaste that effectively combats plaque buildup, as braces can trap food particles. A fluoride toothpaste designed for enamel protection is ideal.
Dry Mouth Relief: For dry mouth caused by medications or ageing, opt for toothpaste designed to stimulate saliva production and provide hydration. Biotene is a trusted brand in this category.
Dentures: While regular toothpaste isn’t suitable for cleaning dentures, seniors with natural teeth should continue using fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention.
Avoid ‘natural’ fluoride-free brands
There are a plethora of enticing, attractive and fashionable brands that promote fluoride-free toothpaste. Grants of Australia and Aesop are good examples where the packaging is second to none! But packaging is simply packaging, and although ‘natural’ sounds so good, almost all of us need fluoride in our toothpaste. In fact, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has identified it as one of the ten great public health achievements of the twentieth century.
Talk to a dental professional
If you’re still unsure about which toothpaste is right for you, speak to your dentist or hygienist. They can give you an informed opinion and help you say on track for optimal oral health.
