By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
The toothpaste aisle is overwhelming, but choosing well is simple once you know what matters. The single most important feature is fluoride.
Quick answer
Choose a toothpaste with fluoride, which is the key ingredient for preventing cavities. Beyond that, pick for your needs: desensitising toothpaste for sensitive teeth, a gentle whitening paste for surface stains, or one for gum health. Avoid highly abrasive pastes. Brand matters less than fluoride content and using it correctly twice a day.
Match the toothpaste to your needs
- Cavity protection - any fluoride toothpaste.
- Sensitive teeth - a desensitising formula.
- Surface stains - a gentle whitening paste.
- Gum care - an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.
What to avoid
Skip very abrasive pastes (some charcoal types) that can wear enamel. See our charcoal toothpaste and fluoride guides.
Ask for advice at The Tooth Studio.
Have a question about your smile?
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