How do you select your toothpaste??

Usually I take a break every weekend from my routine activities so that I can have a fresh start of the new week.
This week I thought why not to begin with a basic concept and question asked frequently in my practice and that is "which toothpaste is the best to use??"

We all come across so many brands of toothpaste while shopping.
All brands show their advertisements claiming their toothpaste to be the best and dentist's no.1 choice amongst all.
But which toothpaste is the best,you must be thinking...
Here are few tips to solve your query.

1.Fluoride

Virtually all toothpaste sold in market contains fluoride.
Brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste is basic of oral hygiene as fluoride helps fight against dental cavities.

Permissible level of fluoride in a toothpaste is 1000 ppm.
Care should be taken in case of children.
Children are more likely to swallow toothpaste. So, toothpaste specially designed for children should be used which doesn't contain sodium laundry sulfate, which shouldn't be swallowed.

2.Toothpaste for any specific dental problem

If you have any dental problems like sensitivity, yellowing of teeth,gum problem or bad breath, consult your dentist and select a toothpaste according to your requirement.

Avoid whitening toothpaste if you have sensitivity problem.

3.Read the label carefully

Some toothpastes are made for use only by adults and some by children.
Some toothpastes shouldn't be used more than for a specific period of time.
The amount of toothpaste to be taken,is also mentioned in the label
Have a look at the list of the ingredients and check for any type of allergy to any specific ingredient.

4.Check for the colour code

Have you seen the colour coding on your toothpaste??

Each colour has a meaning.

Green - Purely natural
Blue - Natural + medicine
Red - Natural + chemical composition
Black - Purely chemical

5.Look for ADA approval

Toothpaste with the seal of ADA approval is guaranteed to meet the stringent requirements of the association.
But many good brands do not carry the seal, so you shouldn't take the seal as the only criteria for your choice.

6.Avoid very sweet toothpaste

Excess sugar content in your toothpaste may contribute to dental decay as well as many other health problems. So avoid using toothpaste with excessive sugar.

7.Consult your dentist