Toothpaste Colgate is Just One Choice of Many

When all you want is a simple tube of toothpaste, looking at the dozens of varieties on the store shelves can be overwhelming. From whiteners and brighteners to fluoride, tartar control and anti-plaque, the combinations of flavors and specialized formulas can seem endless. Colgate toothpaste alone has several varieties. If the choices have left you shaking your head in confusion, here's some information that can help:

Most adult toothpastes are all-purpose, meaning they combine fluoride (to protect against cavities) with other chemical agents designed to help eliminate plaque and tartar, thus boosting gum health. An example is pyrophosphate, which helps prevent sticky plaque from hardening and forming tartar.

Whitening toothpastes are the latest hot trend, and are popular primarily for their cosmetic benefits. Since more middle-aged and elderly people are retaining their own teeth, and tooth enamel naturally darkens with age, these whitening pastes are expected to remain in high demand.

Toothpastes designed specifically for smokers are among the most abrasive mouth-cleaning products available. Over time, the tar in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco typically stains teeth a light to dark brown. These pastes are usually cosmetically helpful. However, care must be taken, because vigorous brushing with these high-abrasive pastes can actually cause "abrasion cavities," especially around the roots of the teeth. (A reminder for everyone - your toothbrush should be held against your gums at a 45-degree angle. Use gentle strokes in one-tooth-wide increments, being sure to brush each all sides of each tooth, plus your tongue.)

Another category of toothpaste is formulated for people with sensitive teeth. In most instances, this occurs because a person's gums have receded over the years, leaving the tooth roots exposed. This in turn can lead to sensitivity and pain, especially when eating or drinking something cold. A sensitivity-reducing toothpaste, used regularly, can eliminate much of this discomfort. There is a Colgate toothpaste intended for sensitivity control as well.

No matter what brand of toothpaste you use, you'll still be introducing millions of bacteria into your mouth if you don't take proper care of your toothbrush. After each brushing, the brush should be thoroughly rinsed and stored brush-side-up to dry. Be sure that no other brushes come in contact with yours, and never use another person's toothbrush.

Finally, for people who are leery of chemicals, there are many "natural" toothpastes available. Typical ingredients in these products include herbs and essential oils, such as ginger, clove, tea tree and peppermint. Keep in mind that if you purchase a brand without fluoride, you may be missing out on that ingredient for cavity protection. You can try a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride toothpastes if you are concerned about missing this ingredient. Also, as there are no harsh abrasives in many natural types of toothpaste you need to clean your teeth thoroughly. If you prefer using a natural brand of dental cleaning product, check with your dentist to make sure it's cleaning your teeth sufficiently - OraMD® is a great choice for example.