One of the most common questions we get asked is ‘what toothpaste should I use?’. The answer to the question varies between individuals depending on the needs of that individual’s mouth. Below is some information you may find useful to help you pick a toothpaste.
For toothpastes to get the maximum impact on your teeth and gums we recommend; using twice a day, spitting but not rinsing, and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after brushing.
What to look for in a toothpaste
We recommend you look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride for protection of your tooth enamel from decay. Fluoride also helps to reduce bacteria numbers in mouth. The ideal concentration of toothpaste fluoride in New Zealand is 1000-1400ppm or 0.21-0.25%. All the toothpastes we recommend contain fluoride – keep reading to find a list that we recommend below.
For people who are at high risk of decay we may recommend NeutraFluor 5000. This is a prescription only toothpaste with a high fluoride concentration and needs to be prescribed by a dental professional.
Toothpastes which are highly abrasive can damage the enamel surface or any restorative treatment you have had done such as composite fillings, veneers, and crowns. Toothpastes which tend to be highly abrasive include those such as smokers or whitening toothpastes. We recommend using a toothpaste which has a low abrasiveness. An example of an extra low abrasive toothpaste is Curaprox [Be you.].
If you have sensitive teeth look for a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, Pro-Argin or NovaMin. These ingredients help to block dentinal tubes which may be exposed from tooth wear, erosion, or gum loss. Examples of these toothpastes include Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, Sensodyne Repair and Protect and Sensodyne Rapid Relief (great for a topical treatment for fast acting relief).
Most toothpastes come in a mint flavour to help you achieve that ‘clean and fresh’ feeling. Some people find mint flavourings can irritate their mouth (particularly small children) so another flavour may be more preferable. The Curaprox [Be you.] range includes flavours such as Gin Tonic + Persimmon, Watermelon, Peach + Apricot, Blackberry + Licorice, Grapefruit + Bergamot, Apple + Aloe.
What other ingredients may my toothpaste contain?
Many toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), this is a detergent that creates bubbles and foams. Some people may find SLS irritates their mouth, particularly those who suffer from lichen planus or frequent ulcers. These individuals may wish to consider a SLS-free toothpaste. All sensodyne toothpastes used to be free from SLS but this isn’t the case anymore. If you want an SLS-free toothpaste then check the packaging. Toothpastes which are free from SLS include: Biotene, Oral 7, Curaprox [Be you.] and Curaprox enzycal.
Some toothpastes contain natural enzymes designed to enhance your saliva’s ability prevent decay and gum issues. They may also reduce the level of microbials in the mouth. Toothpaste which include natural enzymes are Oral 7, Curaprox [Be you.] and Curaprox enzycal.
Hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth. Some toothpastes may contain hydrogen peroxide, such as Colgate Optic White, or natural enzymes which convert to hydrogen peroxide to help remove stains from teeth, such as Curaprox [Be You]. Hydrogen peroxide in toothpaste will have some limitations at whitening teeth. You can read more about whitening your teeth here.
Toothpastes we recommend (in no particular order):
Please note this list is always evolving, if you want to ask us about a specific toothpaste then please get in contact with us.
- Colgate Total
- Curaprox [Be You].
- Curaprox enzycal
- Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief
- Sensodyne Repair and Protect
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief – as a topical treatment
- Oral 7
- Biotene
- Macleans Milk Teeth
- NeutraFluor 5000
- Colgate Little teeth
- Colgate Big teeth
- Colgate Minions
- Colgate Peppa Pig
