Shopping. It’s an activity we do often, typically for groceries, clothes and household items. But, did you know it’s just as important to shop around for the right toothpaste? It’s hard to know which toothpaste is best for you, but it’s important to do your research!

You might assume all of the different toothpaste options are just a marketing hype. But, actually there are some factors that do differentiate the different kinds. So, to help you make your purchasing decision, here are a few things to consider while deciding which toothpaste to go with:

• Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride. Using a fluoride-fortified toothpaste really does help prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel and making your tooth more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride is a safe way to help protect your teeth and can help reverse the growth of cavaties!
• Use a sensitive toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. If you’ve lost some of your enamel due to grinding, clenching or receding gums, your teeth probably are hypersensitive to hot and cold. A desensitizing toothpaste is likely to help.
• There are natural toothpastes if you prefer to go the organic route. Most natural toothpastes are free of sodium laurel sulfate, which is the foaming agent that creates the lather during brushing sessions.
• Have dry mouth? Your dentist can prescribe a prescription toothpaste. It contains more than four times the fluoride of regular toothpaste and also has calcium and phosphate to help straighten your teeth and remineralize your saliva.

So, remember these important factors when searching for the perfect toothpaste. You can shop for toothpaste at just about any store, and there are plenty of options. The most important detail to remember is that ANY toothpaste is a good toothpaste- as long as you’re brushing your teeth (twice a day, every day.) Happy toothpaste shopping!