Summary
Choosing the perfect toothpaste may seem trivial, but it is a crucial step in maintaining good oral health . With so many options available, it can be confusing to navigate. With or without fluoride, for sensitive teeth or for whitening... Important questions that we will answer. And remember that our advice should never supersede that of a dentist!
Why is it important to choose the right toothpaste?
There is good and bad toothpaste. The one that will have real effectiveness on your teeth, and the others. An effective toothpaste helps remove plaque , prevent cavities and protect gums. Depending on your specific needs, certain toothpastes offer targeted actions: anti-tartar, anti-sensitivity, whitening, etc. So, how to find your way?
Different types of toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are made the same, so here are the main categories:
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth : if you feel pain when in contact with hot or cold , opt for a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth. These formulas contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help decrease sensitivity by strengthening the enamel.
Whitening toothpaste : to preserve the whiteness of your teeth , some toothpastes contain polishing agents or hydrogen peroxide. But be careful, they can be abrasive! If your teeth are fragile, alternate with a classic toothpaste.
Fluoride-free toothpaste : Although fluoride is recommended to prevent cavities, some people prefer to avoid it. Fluoride-free toothpastes often use natural ingredients like hydroxyapatite, which is known to strengthen enamel.
Toothpaste tablets : ecological and practical, these small tablets can be chewed before brushing. They contain natural cleaning agents and represent an interesting zero waste alternative! 🌱
Toothpaste for children : these toothpastes are adapted to their more fragile enamel and contain a quantity of fluoride adjusted to their age. They also have more fun flavors (the eternal strawberry toothpaste 🍓) to encourage brushing!
Looking for the best toothpaste?
The perfect toothpaste is the one that suits your needs. To make the right choice, you must therefore define them carefully.
Protect your teeth from cavities? Fluoride remains your best ally.
Relieve sensitivity? Opt for formulas designed for sensitive teeth.
Fresh breath? Zinc and baking soda help neutralize odors .
Need a whitening effect? Choose a gentle formula so as not to damage the enamel.
Take care of your gums? Count on antibacterial agents.
A more natural option? Organic and solid toothpastes represent an ecological alternative.
There are therefore as many toothpastes as there are needs. And if in doubt, as always, seek the advice of your dentist or a dental hygienist for full advice.
What should I pay attention to when buying your toothpaste?
Choosing a toothpaste is not just a question of taste or brand! To find the one that's best for you, consider a few criteria: your age, your oral health needs, the ingredients, and of course, the price.
Age and dental needs
Choosing the right toothpaste is important, whatever your age!
For children, it is recommended to choose a toothpaste with a low dosage of fluoride, as well as fruity flavors to make brushing more pleasant. Adults have many more options, such as whitening, anti-tartar or sensitive toothpastes. Finally, for seniors, it is good to choose a toothpaste that provides additional protection against enamel erosion and dry mouth.
The price of toothpaste
Classic toothpastes : €1.50 to €5. Available in supermarkets, they are perfect for daily hygiene with simple formulas.
Specialized toothpastes : €4 to €10. In case of sensitive teeth or fragile gums, they are available in pharmacies and contain more specific ingredients, often recommended by dentists.
Organic or natural toothpastes : €5 to €12. Without fluoride, without chemical preservatives and often more respectful of the environment.
Toothpaste tablets and ecological formats : €6 to €15. More durable, they remain a little more expensive to purchase.
The importance of fluoride in toothpaste
Fluoride is a key ingredient in protecting your teeth from cavities by strengthening enamel. Most dentists advise it, but if you choose to avoid it, hydroxyapatite is a good alternative. Moreover, the WHO underlines, in a December 2024 report , the importance of adequate exposure to fluoride to prevent dental caries . She recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing between 1000 and 1500 ppm fluoride.
What ingredients should you keep an eye out for when buying your toothpaste?
Not all toothpastes are created equal! Some ingredients are essential for keeping your teeth healthy, while others may be a little too harsh or unnecessary. Here's what to keep an eye out for:
✅ Fluoride : it remains the best ally against cavities! It strengthens enamel and slows the growth of bacteria. Make sure it is well dosed: between 1000 and 1500 ppm for adults, and adjusted according to age for children.
✅ Abrasives : essential to get rid of dental plaque , of course, but to be used sparingly. Because too many abrasives can damage the enamel and irritate the gums . Opt for mild abrasives like hydrated silica if your teeth are sensitive.
✅ Flavorings : they add a pleasant taste and a feeling of freshness. Mint, eucalyptus or lemon… It’s up to your taste! But be careful of artificial flavors, which can sometimes irritate the mucous membranes.
✅ Moisture retention agents : these ingredients, like glycerin or sorbitol, prevent toothpaste from drying out. They are generally safe, but prefer those of natural origin if you opt for an organic formula.
✅ Detergents : the most common is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that helps distribute toothpaste well. However, this may irritate some people . If you have sensitive gums, choose a toothpaste without SLS.
✅ Other ingredients to watch out for : Some preservatives (like parabens) and artificial colors may be questionable. If you prefer a gentler option, opt for a natural or organic toothpaste with a simplified ingredient list.
Ultimately, take the time to read the label. A good toothpaste should protect your teeth without containing unnecessary or irritating ingredients.
Our advice for using your toothpaste correctly
Choosing a good toothpaste is important, but using it correctly is even better! Here are some essential tips to make your brushing routine even more effective and keep your smile radiantly healthy.
How much toothpaste should you use?
We often tend to use too much toothpaste, wrongly thinking that the more, the better. In reality, a small amount is enough for effective brushing and good dental protection. Here are the recommendations according to age:
Under 3 years : the equivalent of a grain of rice to avoid any risk of excessive fluoride ingestion.
From 3 to 6 years : a dab of fluoridated toothpaste (1000 ppm max) to protect baby teeth.
From 6 years old and adults : a quantity the size of a pea is more than enough to cover all of the teeth.
We invite you to consult the UFC Que Choisir article on the subject.
Why use less? Too much toothpaste doesn't make your teeth cleaner, but it does create a lot of foam, which may cause you to cut back on brushing. As for children, if they use too much, they risk swallowing fluoride, which can cause small white spots on their future teeth (fluorosis).
💡 Tip: don't rinse too much after brushing so that the fluoride continues to protect your teeth against cavities for longer.
How to brush your teeth properly?
See brushing as a moment of care for your teeth. It should therefore not be rushed! To make it truly effective, follow these tips:
First, take 2 minutes, morning and evening, to say goodbye to dental plaque. And here is the proper technique:
Tilt the brush 45° towards the gum.
Make small circular movements, without exerting too much pressure.
Brush all surfaces (exterior, interior, chewing).
And as for the type of toothbrush, know that an electric brush is known to provide more uniform brushing.
Our advice for maintaining good dental hygiene
If we had to remember some final tips for maintaining good dental hygiene, they would be these:
Use dental floss or brushes (depending on the space between your teeth) daily to remove plaque between teeth.
Avoid sugary snacks as much as possible, which encourage cavities (we know, it's not easy).
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months (or as soon as the bristles are damaged).
Drink water after meals to reduce acidity in your mouth.
If you have bad breath, consider antiseptic mouthwashes and sugar-free chewing gum after meals.
⚠️ And above all, don't forget to visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up and scaling.
The most frequently asked questions about toothpaste
Are there environmentally friendly toothpastes?
Absolutely ! Toothpastes in the form of tablets, powder or organic paste are environmentally friendly options. They are generally fluoride-free, without plastic packaging and made with natural ingredients.
Which toothpaste to choose for sensitive gums?
Choose a toothpaste without irritants (such as SLS) and enriched with soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera or stannous fluoride to protect delicate gums.
Which toothpaste to choose if your teeth are loose?
Opt for a toothpaste dedicated to sensitive gums, containing fluoride and antibacterial agents such as chlorhexidine. It helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the gums.
Which toothpaste to choose for bad breath?
Toothpastes with zinc, baking soda or essential oils like mint and eucalyptus eliminate bad odors and provide fresh breath that lasts longer.
What toothpaste do dentists no longer recommend?
Excessively abrasive toothpastes (such as some based on activated carbon), those devoid of fluoride (except in specific cases) and formulas containing an excess of chemical additives (SLS, parabens) are generally not recommended.
Conclusion: Finding the toothpaste that suits you
Choosing a toothpaste is therefore not trivial, it is even important to keep your mouth healthy! Whether you need to protect your teeth from cavities, care for your sensitive gums or do something for the planet, there will always be a toothpaste for you. What to remember?
Choose a toothpaste that meets your needs,
Take a look at the ingredients,
Use it as it should,
And of course, remember to ask your dentist for advice, who will be able to recommend the ideal toothpaste for you.
