What toothpaste do dentists use? Here are our recommendations

Toothpaste! When it comes to brushing your teeth, there are a lot of options out there. But, not all of them are created equal. Choosing the right one can be confusing at best, with a market that's been completely overwhelmed by a sea of contenders and claims. It can make the process of finding the best toothpaste for your smile a little daunting, with it being difficult to discern which products are valid in their quality and worth your time.

When looking to get what's right for your teeth, you're best off following the science and products that experts in dentistry use. In this article, we'll review some of the most common types of toothpastes, and why they do or don't fit the criteria for a quality oral cleaning.

What toothpaste do dentists not recommend?

The market is full of them - branded, flashy toothpastes that don't have much to offer past face value. Whether its ambitious promises in terms of protection, cleaning power, fluoride content or whitening ability, companies are eager to say whatever they can about their products in order to get them to sell.

While their marketing can be extremely deceptive in terms of their effectiveness and nature, most toothpastes you'd find in a store today are surprisingly bad for the planet and your teeth alike. The following are just some of the more prominent offenders.

Crest 3D White

Whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which chemically brightens teeth, and polyphosphates, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, are used in dental products like Crest 3D to help in reducing enamel staining and plaque buildup. Some dentists argue that these dosages are insufficient or in touch with tooth surfaces for too brief a period of time to make any significant difference nor provide further protection. Furthermore, polyphosphates can induce irritation to the mouth or other areas where it's applied. Given the limited potential for benefit and high capacity for infliction such formulas' ingredients have, whitening toothpastes like Crest 3D White are not worth it from a cost benefit perspective.

Colgate MaxFresh

Colgate MaxFresh is a toothpaste that's claimed to leave your mouth feeling refreshed. It does this by way of its cool crystals, which dissolve on contact with saliva. The issue with this toothpaste is that it only lasts for about 3 minutes - long enough for a quick refreshing feeling, but not long enough to actually clean your teeth or remove substantial amounts of plaque. Moreover, the ingredients in Colgate MaxFresh can be drying to the mouth and gums. For these reasons, it's best to avoid this toothpaste.

Aquafresh

Aquafresh is a toothpaste that's been around for a long time. It's a popular choice, but not necessarily the best one. Aquafresh contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which is a type of surfactant that is used in a range of products, from dental toothpastes to industrial cleaners. The ingredient's main purpose is to create a foaming lather. The problem with SLS is that it can cause canker sores, gum irritation, mouth dryness and even cancer. SLS is also an environmental pollutant, so it's not great for the planet either.

Crest Pro-Health

People generally turn to Crest Pro-Health and similar dental products as a compromise between a toothpaste that offers cleaning and whitening while also providing protection to sensitive teeth. It contains the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps to block pain signals from reaching the brain. The issue with this toothpaste is that it can take up to 2 weeks of use before you start seeing any results. In the meantime, your teeth are still being exposed to potential irritants. Moreover, Crest Pro-Health also contains carrageenan, which can cause a host of problems. Sourced from red seaweed, carrageenan is an additive primarily used to thicken toothpaste. It's linked to a variety of risks, with the potential to support the development of everything from intestinal inflammation to stomach cancer. What's more, carcinogenic poligeenan within the grade of carrageenan used for toothpastes is also largely unrestricted by industry regulators, so its quantity in this and other products can be quite large. If you feel like you need protection from what’s supposed to protect your teeth, it’s probably not best for you.

Sensodyne Repair And Protect

This toothpaste is designed to help repair the damage done to teeth by acid erosion and remove plaque. It contains the ingredient fluoride, which can help to remineralize enamel and protect it from further damage. The issue with this toothpaste is that it can take a long time to see any results - up to 12 weeks in some cases. What's more, Sensodyne Repair And Protect also contains the ingredient polyethylene glycols or PEGs, which is commonly found in dentistry products and can be bad for your oral health. PEGs are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen), and while there is a way for companies to remove this contaminant from their goods - many don't. These ingredients also make it easier for other chemicals in toothpaste to get through the skin and into your circulation, exposing you to additional toxins.

Crest Gum Detoxify

This toothpaste is designed to help remove plaque and bacteria from your gums. It can be effective, however many are quickly taking note of the oral health and wellbeing hazards it can pose. Crest Gum Detoxify contains the ingredient sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which is a type of surfactant that is used in a range of dental products as a foaming agent. SLS can be extremely irritating to the mouth, and has been associated with a range of problems in dentistry.

In addition to the harmful ingredients that can be found in these toothpastes, another downside of using them is their environmental impact. Many of these ingredients are toxic and can damage the planet when they're released into the environment. Their packaging is also often not recyclable, so it ends up in landfill where it can take hundreds of years to break down.

What type of toothbrush do dentists recommend?

If you're looking for a toothpaste that's actually good for your teeth and the planet, there are plenty of natural alternatives available. These toothpastes usually don't contain any harmful ingredients, and they're often packaged in recycled materials. You can even find toothpastes that are certified organic, meaning they meet strict standards for both human and environmental health.

PÄRLA Toothpaste Tablets

If in need of an environmentally friendly and oral health-conscious toothpaste alternative, PÄRLA toothpaste tablets might be the right option for you. PÄRLA is an environmentally cautious company, and works off of a philosophy and interest in supporting the world's wellbeing through dentistry. Tabs are made of all-natural ingredients, and they come in a recyclable glass jar. Plus, they're fluoride free and SLS free, meaning they're gentle on your teeth and gums. They still foam up just like traditional toothpastes, so you get all the benefits without any of the risks. PÄRLA tablets are also made in the UK, meaning they're also local, more sustainable and low carbon footprint dental products. PÄRLA toothpaste tablets offer all the oral benefits of a natural and environmentally friendly product, without any of the drawbacks of traditional toothpastes. If you're looking for a healthy and sustainable dentistry, PÄRLA is the way to go.

Common toothpastes pose various health and environmental risks, so it's important to be aware of what you're putting into your mouth. If you're looking for a toothpaste that's gentle on your teeth and the planet, PÄRLA Toothpaste Tablets are for you.