Rule one: fluoride
Whatever else the box promises, make sure fluoride is in it. Fluoride binds into weakened enamel and rebuilds it harder and more acid-resistant than before, which is why it remains the single most proven cavity fighter in dentistry.
For gum health, look at which fluoride
Most pastes use sodium fluoride, which is excellent against cavities. Formulas built around stannous fluoride do that same job and also have antibacterial properties that help with gingivitis and sensitivity. For our periodontal patients, a stannous fluoride paste is usually the one we point to first. If it matters for your treatment, we’ll tell you specifically at your visit.
Whitening toothpastes, honestly
Whitening pastes polish surface stains off enamel. They don’t change the underlying color of your teeth the way peroxide-based whitening does, and their abrasives can be too much for worn enamel or exposed roots. If your teeth are sensitive or your gums have receded, ask us before using one regularly. For real shade change, read our cosmetic guide.
Sensitivity formulas
Desensitizing pastes (usually potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride based) calm the nerve signals behind hot-and-cold zingers. They take a few weeks of consistent use to work. One caveat that matters in this office: sensitivity is often a symptom of gum recession, so if it’s new or getting worse, have it looked at rather than just numbing it. Prescription-strength fluoride paste is another tool we can prescribe for patients who keep getting cavities or have exposed root surfaces.
For kids
Before a child can reliably spit, use only a rice-grain smear of fluoride paste; from about age three, a pea-sized amount. Flavor matters more than marketing here: the best toothpaste for a child is the one they’ll actually let you use twice a day.