Your guide for using and choosing the right toothpaste in Nanaimo, BC.
It’s a product we use twice daily, but how much do you really know about your toothpaste? Your Nanaimo dentists, Dr. Nadia Stymiest and Dr. Corinne Bligh, share everything you need to know about choosing and using toothpaste properly.
The History of Toothpaste
While toothpaste rituals can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece, the form many of us would recognize wasn’t around until the 19th century. In 1824, with the ancient Egyptians’ mixture of ashes, myrrh, and pumice in the distant past, an American dentist by the name Peabody began adding soap into toothpaste. It is from this point we can infer that toothpaste’s purpose is to keep the mouth fresh and clean. In its early days, toothpaste was actually sold in a jar. It was until 1892, when Dr. Washington Sheffield began putting toothpaste in a tube—and we are thankful for this decision!
In 1873, Colgate became the first company to commercially produce toothpaste, but at the time it was called tooth cream or powder rather than toothpaste. An interesting exercise that allows you to see the evolution of oral hygiene and toothpaste is through watching the commercials of various times. This Gibbs SR commercial from 1955, which happened to be the first television advertisement aired in the UK, highlights how the industry has evolved and will continue to evolve with science and technology.
How much toothpaste should I use?
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends children over the age of six and adults use a pea-sized (equivalent to about 0.5 milliliters or roughly half a gram) amount of toothpaste. This small amount of toothpaste is sufficient to clean the teeth and provide the necessary amount of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. For children under six, the CDA recommends using a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, as their swallowing reflex is not fully developed and they may accidentally ingest too much toothpaste, leading to fluoride intake in excess, which can cause dental fluorosis. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of toothpaste is not solely determined by the amount used, but also by the proper brushing technique. The CDA recommends flossing once per day prior to brushing, brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly to maintain good oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Nanaimo, BC, Nanaimo Smiles is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Click here to contact our team and book your first visit at our beautiful practice.
What ingredients should I look for in a toothpaste?
According to theCDA, fluoride is the most important ingredient to look for in a toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. The CDA recommends using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it has been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay.
Another important ingredient to look for in a toothpaste is a mild abrasive. A mild abrasive helps to remove plaque and surface stains on the teeth, leaving them looking cleaner and brighter. Examples of mild abrasives found in toothpastes are calcium carbonate, silica and hydrated aluminum oxides.
The CDA also recommends toothpastes that contain the active ingredient triclosan/copolymer. This ingredient is an anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque agent, which helps to reduce inflammation and bleeding of the gums caused by plaque accumulation.
Some toothpastes may also contain enzymes, enzymes and probiotics that can help with maintaining oral health. Some toothpastes may also have different ingredients for specific needs, such as toothpastes for sensitive teeth that contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to reduce tooth sensitivity.
When choosing a toothpaste, it’s important to read the label to check for the CDA seal, which indicates that the toothpaste meets the association’s standards for safety and effectiveness. While most people can benefit from these generic toothpaste recommendations, it is always a good idea to speak to your Nanaimo dentist for specific recommendations based on your oral health and dental concerns during your bi-annual check-up. Click here to schedule your next visit to Nanaimo Smiles.
When should I start using toothpaste with my toddler?
For children under the age of two, the CDA recommends simply using water to clean their teeth. After two years old, fluoride toothpaste can be introduced but with caution. From two to six years old, it is recommended to only use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste while brushing your children’s teeth. Children are more likely to accidentally ingest too much toothpaste, leading to fluoride intake in excess, which can cause dental fluorosis. Until proper technique is developed, parents should be physically helping their children brush their teeth and then supervising when the child has learned proper technique. Our Nanaimo Dentists, Dr. Nadia Malik and Dr. Corinne Bligh, have curated an entire page of resources to help parents teach their kids how to properly care for their teeth (and have a little bit of FUN along the way!). Click here to check out the Kids Corner.
When choosing a toothpaste for your child, look for formulas with lower fluoride levels and flavours your kids will be excited about! If bubblegum or cherry flavoured toothpaste will help your kids be excited about their daily oral hygiene routine, that will only result in better learned technique for the years to come. If you are still struggling to choose the right toothpaste for your child, always feel free to consult with your Nanaimo dentist during your next appointment.
What is the best toothpaste to buy in Canada? What are the Best CDA Approved Toothpaste Brands in Canada?
Since everyone’s oral hygiene needs differ slightly, the best toothpaste for any given individual may differ. That being said, at Nanaimo Smiles, we follow the guidelines and recommendations set out by the CDA. As mentioned, toothpaste products can receive the Seal of Recognition when they meet the association’s standards for safety and effectiveness. The CDA maintains an updated list of approved toothpastes (and all oral hygiene products) on their website. Some specific toothpaste brands that are currently approved by the CDA are:
- Colgate Total
- Crest Pro-Health
- Sensodyne
- Listerine
- Oral-B
- Arm & Hammer
- Close-Up
Everything you need to know about toothpaste in Nanaimo, BC
While choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush is a good step in better oral hygiene, it is arguably just as, if not more, important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. This includes regular visits to your Nanaimo dentist for cleanings and check-ups. During your visit, Dr. Bligh, Dr. Stymiest and Nanaimo Smiles’ team of hygienists will provide recommendations for ways you can improve your oral hygiene—including toothpaste recommendations specific to your needs.
To become a Nanaimo Smiles patient or to book your next appointment, click here.