Finding a trusted orthodontist in the local area can be important for ensuring proper dental alignment and care. But orthodontic care doesn’t stop with braces or aligners—it extends to daily dental hygiene, where choosing the right toothpaste can play a significant role. Many people wonder, does toothpaste matter? The answer is yes. The type of toothpaste you use can impact the health of your teeth and gums, especially if you have braces or other orthodontic devices.
There are many different kinds of toothpaste, each formulated for specific needs. Whitening toothpaste, for example, contains abrasives that polish teeth, while sensitive toothpaste uses ingredients like potassium nitrate to reduce discomfort. Fluoride toothpaste is particularly recommended, as fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. For those with braces, a toothpaste that prevents tartar buildup and effectively removes plaque is beneficial.
So, does it matter what toothpaste you use? Absolutely. Using the correct toothpaste can support your orthodontic treatment, improve oral health, and reduce sensitivity. Consulting with an orthodontist or dentist about which toothpaste is best for your needs can enhance your results and ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong throughout your treatment. Talk to your local dentist today to get some recommendations.
It’s all too easy to forget about your responsibilities while you’re kicking back on vacation. But it’s important not to put your dental health aside for the sake of travel. As many as 92% of adults have cavities, and plaque doesn’t take a break for anyone.
The good news is that there are a few tips you can use to keep your dental health in great shape even when you’re on the road (or in the air). Here some ways to keep your teeth fresh and clean wherever you are.
- Make your toothpaste easily accessible. When you’re packing, it’s a good idea to keep your toothbrush and whitening toothpaste in one of the smaller, easily accessible pockets of your suitcase or travel bag. This is because you’ll be using your toothbrush at least twice a day throughout your trip. You don’t want to have to take out several items to reach them.
- Skip the travel case. It may seem like a good idea at the time to keep your toothbrush and whitening toothpaste in a small, compact travel case for easy reach. But toothbrush travel kits can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. This is because the moisture from your toothbrush builds up on the inside of the travel case. That said, skip the travel case and instead give your toothbrush time to air dry before packing it away.
- Keep your toothbrush in your carry-on. It’s best to keep your toothbrush and whitening toothpaste with you in your carry-on bag rather than putting it into your suitcase. This ensures that you have access to your toothbrush and toothpaste when you’re on long layovers or in case your suitcase goes missing.
- Stick to your regular dental routine. Plaque and bacteria don’t go away just because you’re on vacation or on a work trip. Make sure you’re still brushing your teeth twice a day. Plaque needs less than 24 hours before it solidifies to your teeth and starts to form plaque.