With so many toothpaste choices in today's marketplace, it gets increasingly hard to choose the type that best suits your dental requirements. It used to be that one type suited all needs, but now there are brands for treating dry mouth, gum problems, and sensitive teeth, as well as those types for recalcifying enamel and for making the teeth whiter. Hence, there are options to suit all individual needs. The following are different types of toothpaste.

Toothpaste – The Different Types

1. Toothpaste for whitening teeth. These brands are popular because they contain whitening agents like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and other ingredients. These toothpastes work in different ways. In some cases, it is a chemical agent that acts to whiten the teeth while in other cases, it is the mechanics of brushing that cause the whitening effect. There are some types than can even remove stains caused by different food.   
2. Toothpaste for treating sensitive teeth. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. Fortunately, there are many toothpastes available for alleviating sensitivity. A lot of these brands contain an ingredient called potassium nitrate, which is able to fill holes and create a protective layer in the dentin of the teeth. This protects the nerve and reduces the sensitive feeling. 
3. Some toothpaste can remineralize enamel. The act of remineralization helps the teeth repair themselves. However, this only works where there is a small amount of decay and is not effective where there is significant decay.   
4. Toothpastes with xylitol. This ingredient is often used as a replacement for sugar and has the added advantage of preventing bacteria from sticking to the enamel of the teeth. When xylitol combines with a little concentration of fluoride, it can also help to remineralize the teeth.   
5. Toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is the ingredient that causes the bubbling effect in toothpaste. In some cases, SLS can irritate the tissues in the mouth and aggravate canker sores (aphthous ulcers) or gums that are red or peeling.  
6. Toothpaste with mouth rinse. A lot of toothpaste types have mouth rinse ingredients, which are designed to protect the gums and make the breath fresher. 
7. Some toothpastes are free of fluoride. These types of toothpaste suit those who want plain toothpaste free of fluoride. 
8. Special toothpastes for children. It is best to encourage children to use toothpastes that are specially designed for them, particularly when they are at an age when they are likely to swallow toothpaste with fluoride. There is much more fluoride in toothpaste than in water, and this can be dangerous when swallowed. However, children can use a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride as they get older.   

Conclusion

With such a vast number of toothpaste types to choose from, it is important to choose the right one for you and your loved ones. The important thing is to select a brand that meets your particular needs. It is also important to brush your teeth twice a day to ward off tooth decay and to protect against periodontal disease. Fortunately, patients can custom-choose a brand that suits their needs with so many options out there. Consult with your dentist, such as at http://www.fortcollinsdentist.com, about what might be best for you.