Tag: toothpaste

The number one concern of patients in my hygiene chair is sensitivity. It comes in all forms, caused by cold, hot or sweets. Simply brushing can also cause a feeling I describe as a “zing.” It can be frustrating, and even life altering, when tooth sensitivity prevents enjoying the things we once could – like ice cream! It is important to bring up any tooth sensitivity at your dental appointments. The majority of sensitivity comes from exposed root surfaces (recession). Sensitivity can also come from tooth issues such as cracks or nerve issues. Describing your symptoms and the location gives Read More →

Dry mouth has many causes, including medications, sleep apnea, allergies and dehydration. It is uncomfortable and, if untreated, can lead to accelerated cavities. Many times, a patient adds a new medication to their list that has the unwanted side effect of dry mouth. While medications are obviously needed to maintain your health, the side effects need to be monitored closely. Most patients introduced to these meds may have recession areas. These areas are more prone to cavities because they are not as strong as enamel. As a result, they tend to develop cavities when in the presence of dry mouth. Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Charcoal toothpastes have gained the attention of most patients, especially at big name stores like Target. Websites like Pinterest are stocked full of tooth whitening charcoal DIY recipes. But does charcoal actually whiten our teeth and is it safe to use? Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? As a dental professional, I look at evidence-based practice to determine if a product is safe and effective for use. At this point, there isn’t a lot of research that has been done on charcoal as a dentifrice (aka toothpaste). We know that charcoal is negatively charged, therefore, it tends to Read More →

All toothpaste has some type of abrasiveness to it especially when coupled with a toothbrush; just how abrasive that can be is measured by RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). The ADA created a range of abrasivity that rates different toothpastes and their effect on the teeth. Their list ranges from 0-250 and is broken into 4 sections (Low Abrasive to Regarded as a Harmful Limit). Enamel is not as susceptible to abrasion (the wear on the teeth from a mechanical source, like a toothbrush with toothpaste) because of the hardness of the structure. The underlying structures of enamel like dentin and Read More →

Toothpaste has always been thee product to help keep your teeth clean, but it actually has many uses that don’t involve your mouth! (Non-gel toothpaste is recommended for alternative uses). A trip to the jewelry store is not always easy or convenient just to have your ring cleaned. So, when in need, take an old toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste, scrub your jewelry, rinse under water, and then look at it shine! Do you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews? Provide daycare or babysit a lot? It seems inevitable that one of your kids wil get a hold of a crayon and Read More →

With so many types of toothpaste out there such as tartar control, whitening, sensitivity, cavity prevention, and many more, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you! We are often asked by our patients what types we suggest they use. Here are some basic recommendations, but it is always a good idea to consult your dentist or hygienist about what may be best for you. It can be difficult to know what type of toothpaste is right for your child. Children who are unable to spit toothpaste out after brushing (ages 0-3) require a rice sized amount of Read More →