Are regular changes necessary for my toothpaste brand?
Do you stick with the same toothpaste for years or grab a fresh tube each time you hit the drugstore? A dental pro shares her thoughts.
Ever heard the tip to change toothpaste regularly? It's been around for a while, according to dental pro Pia Peterson. "They claimed that for long-term, good oral health, it was important to keep switching brands," she says, holding the position of Professor of Conventional Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry at the University of Witten/Herdecke.
However, she disagrees with this theory. In terms of oral health, it's more crucial to use a product that suits your teeth's needs the best. Once you've found the perfect toothpaste, there's no need to stray from it for ages - at least not until a few years pass. "Switching makes no sense then," Pia Peterson concludes.
The idea to switch is based on the belief that bacteria in the mouth become accustomed to the toothpaste's composition over time, supposedly reducing its cleaning power. However, Pia Peterson points out that toothpastes have similar basic components.
How to find the ideal toothpaste
So, how do you find the ultimate toothpaste? "First, effective cavity protection is essential," Pia Peterson advises. "It should contain fluoride, at a concentration of 1450 ppm. This is indicated on the tube."
Second, acknowledge your unique needs. "If I struggle with rapid tartar build-up, I should opt for a product that can combat this effectively," Pia Peterson suggests as an example.
Do your teeth get stained by coffee or tea quickly? Then a toothpaste that aids in restoring natural tooth whiteness would be suitable. Those with sensitive teeth can opt for a toothpaste specifically formulated for that purpose.
Toothpastes are frequently assessed by organizations such as Stiftung Warentest or Öko-Test magazine, making it easy to compare various products based on their results. "And of course, you can also discuss this matter with your dental hygienist or dentist," Pia Peterson recommends.
Despite the belief that bacteria in the mouth adapt to the toothpaste's composition, leading to a reduction in its cleaning power, dental expert Pia Peterson disputes this theory. She suggests that using a toothpaste that caters to your teeth's specific needs is more vital for good oral health. Once you've discovered the ideal toothpaste, there's no need to constantly switch, unless several years have passed. As a consumer, it's essential to seek toothpaste with effective cavity protection, containing fluoride at a concentration of 1450 ppm, and catering to your unique dental needs, such as addressing rapid tartar build-up or sensitive teeth.
