What is your favorite toothpaste? Which toothpaste is the best? Most all toothpastes have the same amount of fluoride. The ones that do not are those few marketed as natural, or the ones made for babies and toddlers that are sometimes called something like “tooth and gum cleanser.” You will find that fluoridated toothpastes are recommended for adults and children two years and older. Even then we recommend only a very small bit of toothpaste on the brush so if a child swallows it (which they will do) then its just a little bit and will cause no real problem.
Other than fluoride though, it’s all about the other stuff, the whitener, Triclosan, the tarter control, the appearance and of course the taste. Really none of the effects of toothpaste are more important than the fluoride. The ADA seal is to attest to the fluoride content. That’s the stuff that helps prevent cavities.
So, which toothpaste is the best? For the children in our practice, the one we recommend to them is the one they like the best; the one they are motivated to use. It’s all about the marketing, sparkles, smell and taste. Some kids, usually very young ones, don’t like any kind of toothpaste. Hey, you can still clean the teeth with the brush and floss, but the advantage of the fluoride is not there. Most toothpastes marketed to children have the same fluoride content (1000 ppm) as adult toothpastes, but often have bubblegum or other flavors that appeal to children–and sparkles! Adults like the minty flavors more.
So, which one do you like the best? What is your favorite toothpaste? It often comes down to what you like. If you do find something you like, it’s ok to try something different from time to time just to keep it interesting!