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Choosing the Right Toothpaste For Your Oral Health | Fayetteville, GA

mom and daughter brushing teeth

There are a lot of kinds of toothpaste on the market to choose from. With so many different ways these options have differentiated themselves from one another, it can be daunting to figure out what the best option is for us. Here are some things you might want to consider when replacing your next tube of toothpaste.

Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is something many people struggle with, but there are a number of pastes on the market with additives that work to help. Sensitivity is commonly the result of weakened enamel, so sensitive toothpaste contains ingredients that work to strengthen the enamel to ease sensitivity.

Fluoride

Fluoride is commonly employed for its ability to keep cavities at bay, but there is a significant portion of the population that doesn’t like the idea of fluoride for daily use. That’s okay, as there are natural alternatives that may help mitigate cavities without the use of fluoride. While it won’t make or break your ability to fight cavities, it is effective and may be the most convenient option.

Flavors and Colors

In general, the flavor and color of toothpaste is simply a preference. If pink bubblegum toothpaste helps motivate your child to brush his or her teeth, it’s not going to hurt their oral hygiene to use it. Similarly, if you prefer pastes without flavoring, or enjoy spearmint over cinnamon, that is entirely up to you. If you know you are allergic to certain flavors or dyes, of course, it’s best to retain a paste that won’t make you sick.

Whitening Additives

A whitening additive such as charcoal has become a big trend in dental health over the last few years. Unfortunately, it can be too abrasive, and begin to deteriorate your enamel over time. In regard to charcoal specifically, it may be best to consult with your dentist, but in general whitening additives, like flavor and color, aren’t likely to hurt your oral health.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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Fluoride: Friend or Foe? | Fayetteville, GA

Young woman smiling with perfect dental health

Proponents of fluoride tout its ability to aid in the fight against cavities and tooth decay. Opponents say fluoride is a harmful neurotoxin that has been pumped into our community’s water without express permission by the people. Fluoride is and has always been, a controversial mineral. Its place in dentistry is long-withstanding, so we feel it’s important to have a deeper understanding of fluoride.

While trace amounts of fluoride have been added to public water for decades, it has yet to cause widespread neurological issues. According to smiledentalcenterct.com, “research has shown that by adding fluoride to public water supplies, tooth decay-related conditions decline by 25 percent among adults and children.” The addition of fluoride is meant to be a public health benefit, rather than a source of controversy.

As with anything, there is such thing as too much fluoride; two dental visits a year and drinking community water, however, isn’t likely to cause harm. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis that changes the color of tooth enamel and is likely to impact children ages eight and younger as their teeth grow in. As a result, it is not recommended to give children fluoride toothpaste- especially as they develop the motor skills to properly brush and not swallow the paste.

A dentist may dissuade a patient from using fluoride toothpaste if they experience an allergic reaction, or if the individual feels strongly about the amount of fluoride in their daily lives. Fluoride-free formulas offer the same cleaning power and is recommended over not using toothpaste; the difference is that on average, fluoride formulas reduce the number of cavities and occurrence of tooth decay one may experience over their lifetime.

In general, trace amounts of fluoride in drinking water works to improve the oral health of our communities and the use of fluoride toothpaste is safe for adults. The decision to use fluoride toothpaste lies with the individual, but he or she may need to take extra steps such as mouthwash and flossing to ensure they receive the cavity-fighting benefits normally provided by fluoride formulas.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.