The Best Toothpaste for Braces

When you get braces, you have to make some changes in your daily routine to keep your teeth healthy during treatment. You might have to change what you eat, how you brush and floss, and the products you use to take care of your teeth. When it comes to brushing, there are some products that are better for braces than others. Keep reading below to see which toothpaste is the best toothpaste for braces.

Fluoride—the #1 ingredient in the best toothpaste for braces

The number one factor to look for when searching for the best toothpaste for braces is that it contains fluoride. While most toothpastes on the market today contain this important mineral, it’s still a good idea to check the label before purchasing. You can also find fluoride in soil, rocks, and water, and it works to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and reduce the acid in your mouth that leads to cavities. Fluoride also creates an acid-resistant layer of phosphate and calcium ions on your teeth, which further prevents tooth decay. All in all, fluoride is a handy little mineral that works hard to keep your teeth healthy.

Tartar Control

Another important thing to look for in toothpaste is that it has tartar control. Tartar is basically plaque that has hardened around your gums, and it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar is easy to spot, as it takes on a yellow or brown color, and it can only be removed by a dentist. When wearing braces, it is even easier to miss the plaque buildup that leads to tartar, as there are so many hidden crevices around your brackets. To help prevent this, make sure to choose a toothpaste that is specifically made to combat tartar growth.

Non-teeth Whitening

While wearing braces, avoid toothpaste that is made to whiten your teeth. It might be tempting to want to remove any stains during your orthodontic treatment, but it is best to wait for the health and appearance of your teeth. Since teeth whitening toothpaste is obviously made to whiten teeth, once you get your braces removed, there will be a color difference between the parts of the teeth treated with this toothpaste and the parts that were covered with brackets. This would then require additional dental treatment to fix this issue. 

Teeth whitening toothpastes can also lead to teeth sensitivity, which is something to avoid during braces treatment. Since your teeth will already feel sensitive due to your braces, adding more sensitivity may increase your discomfort. If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth while wearing braces, you should continue to brush your teeth morning and night and after eating, use mouthwash, and invest in a water flosser.

Keeping your teeth healthy is even more important while wearing braces, since they increase the possibility you’ll have tooth decay. Choosing the right toothpaste is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good dental hygiene. If you have other questions about the best toothpastes to use while wearing braces, or if you are interested in learning more about braces, please contact Milnor Orthodontics!