If you have strolled down the oral care aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store, you may have been overwhelmed by the choices. There are dozens of brands with a variety of flavors, ingredients, and benefits. When reading the brightly colored boxes, you have likely seen a variety of claims, from promises to whiten your teeth and protect sensitive teeth to strengthening enamel. It can be confusing to choose the right toothpaste to meet your needs, especially if you wear braces. Using the best toothpaste for braces is extremely important because effectively cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is essential to maintain good oral health for years to come.This article will help you make a decision the next time toothpaste is on your list.
Fluoride toothpaste for braces
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay across your lifespan. Using a toothpaste with fluoride both reduces the incidence of dental cavities and slows or reverses the progression of existing lesions. Fluoride makes the enamel on your teeth strong and can minimize acid damage caused by certain foods and drinks.
A great choice is Crest Braces Care Toothpaste with fluoride. This line also offers floss, mouthwash, and precision clean brushes for cleaning on-the-go. They even have a braces care deep clean kit that will help you clean under your brackets.
Sensitive teeth options for braces
If you have sensitive teeth, Sensodyne is a great gentle toothpaste brand that is perfect for those wearing braces. The Sensodyne Pronamel Mineral Boost is non-abrasive, anti-cavity, and contains fluoride, so it is gentle on sensitive teeth and keeps your enamel strong.
Tartar control
With or without braces, it’s important to choose a toothpaste that offers tartar control. Plaque build-up can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease in teens or adults with braces. Taking special care to remove tartar now can save you a lot of problems that could occur years later.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
Another important consideration is to look for a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA Seal of Acceptance has been the leading mark of dental product safety for 90 years. You can rest assured when choosing a toothpaste with this ADA stamp because it means the toothpaste has gone through extensive research to provide proof of its effectiveness in reducing cavities.
What to avoid
You may be surprised to hear that you should avoid whitening toothpaste while wearing braces. While you will want bright white teeth when your braces are removed, now is not the time to begin treatment. That is because the whitening toothpaste cannot get in between all of the wires or under the brackets of your braces, which in turn will cause uneven coloring when they are removed.
Overall, the most important factor for good oral health while wearing braces is to brush and floss regularly. No matter what toothpaste you choose, make sure that you are brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. If you are considering getting braces, contact Smith Orthodontics to schedule your free consultation today.
