Posted 2 years ago 2 Minute(s) to read

With so many kinds of toothpaste out there, it can be confusing trying to work out what the differences are. We've provided a brief overview of the different types of toothpaste to help you make the right decision for you and your teeth!

  • Whitening toothpaste

While ‘Teeth whitening’ toothpaste may claim to do exactly that and whiten your teeth, it won’t actually make your teeth any whiter, so to speak. It may improve the colour of your teeth by removing surface stains and accentuating their natural whiteness but the only way to genuinely whiten your teeth is through professional teeth whitening. This could either be done by the dentist or with an at-home teeth whitening kit.

  • Tartar control toothpaste

Tartar control toothpaste contain gentle abrasive agents and surfactants to help remove plaque and tartar deposits. Plaque is one of the main contributors to gum disease as it builds up and inflames the gums. Tartar control toothpastes are designed to remove as much plaque as possible but should be used alongside a regular flossing routine.

  • Fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is crucial to combatting tooth decay, giving your teeth extra strength and making them better at being able to resist bacterial acid. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen the tooth's enamel and promotes oral health. Fluoride toothpaste is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

  • Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth works to relieve the pain of sensitive teeth however it cannot reverse the damage that is already done to the tooth. Basically, it works to mask the pain that is felt from having sensitive teeth however it is still important to treat the root cause of what is causing the sensitivity so that your teeth don’t become worse. 

  • Kids toothpaste

Children’s toothpaste tubes are generally covered in images of their favourite cartoons or Disney characters in an attempt to encourage kids to brush their teeth. But the toothpaste within these colourful packages is different to regular adult toothpaste. Kids toothpaste have smaller amounts of certain ingredients so that they are more appropriate for children. 

  • Natural organic toothpaste

These toothpaste use only natural ingredients and don’t have any fluoride or other artificial ingredients to help with plaque removal. These are fine to use as when brushing your teeth, it is the actual teeth brushing action that has the most effect on plaque and bacteria removal. If you’re flossing and brushing your teeth at least once per day, the type of toothpaste you use should not have too much of an effect on your oral health.