Toothpaste is one of the most essential necessities for basic hygiene and self-care. Dentists often suggest that we should brush our teeth two to three times during the day. However, choosing the right toothpaste often does not make it to the list of our priorities. People select the toothpaste they are using based on the branding and packaging, price, or even a discount that the toothpaste company offers.

You could possibly use the same toothpaste that you have been using since childhood because you’re comfortable buying and using that toothpaste only. Going beyond the label, there are many things that are important for selecting the right toothpaste. We have listed out a few below.

Fluoride content
Almost all toothpaste brands sold in most countries around the globe have fluoride. The very fundamental rule of basic hygiene and dental care is brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, according to a majority of dentists. Fluoride has high cavity-fighting properties, something common across its different formulations that are available.

However, there could be several natural toothpaste formulations that do not contain fluoride, reasons for which have been discussed in numerous studies showing problems with fluoride. For kids under the age of six, rinsing the mouth with fluoride is not recommended.

Consult your doctor before the dental problem aggravates
Which kind of toothpaste is better for your teeth or any problem that you may be facing will be better answered by your doctor. There are several types of toothpaste, which have properties like whitening and desensitizing. Which property is exactly needed in the toothpaste you use is an important question to ask, and using the toothpaste with the right properties can avert several dental issues.

People with sensitive teeth should avoid whitening toothpaste
This is one rule that you can abide by without paying a visit to the dentist. Whitening toothpaste contains powerful ingredients, which reduce the yellowness of the teeth faster. Hence, if you have sensitive teeth, the ingredients might cause irritation and lead to worsening of your dental problem.

Do not ignore information on the label
The label contains important information that should be reading carefully before selecting a toothpaste. Some toothpaste formulations are for exclusively for adult use, while some can be used by children only. Sharing toothpaste at home can become a problem is the toothpaste is not suited for kids. Some toothpastes even recommend an appointment with the dentist before usage for a long period of time.

The list of ingredients is also important information on the label that you should definitely read. Flavoring, sweeteners, and chemicals may be added in toothpaste to make it more powerful in some aspect. Such ingredients must also be understood well before usage.

Avoid toothpaste that is overly sweet
Excess of sugar can be a major cause of tooth decay as well as several other health problems. In fact, a certain quantity of sugar is acceptable in toothpaste. However, it is always recommended to avoid toothpaste that is highly sweetened. Even artificially sweetened toothpastes are a good option.