Why some toothpastes are a waste of money

As a dentist, one of the questions I most often get asked is, “Which toothpaste is the best?”

The truth is, any toothpaste that contains fluoride is fine and will do the job you’re asking it to do. However, you should think of toothpaste as a topical cream that makes your teeth harder and stronger. The physical brushing of the teeth is what cleans the bacteria off.

But beware: if you’re currently using an organic toothpaste or a whitening toothpaste, you’re not only wasting your money, you’re probably doing your teeth damage. While organic toothpastes leave a nice taste while you’re cleaning your teeth, they contain no fluoride and therefore provide no lasting protection throughout the day.

I would also stay away from toothpastes that claim to have ‘whitening’ properties, because many of them will achieve the exact opposite effect. Whitening toothpastes contain extra abrasives that can wear away your teeth enamel and actually make your teeth look more yellow in the long run.

If you really want your teeth to appear whiter, the safest and most effective way is to have your teeth professionally whitened. But more on that next time!