Why Toothpaste Matters for Women
It’s an all too familiar scene.
You’re standing in the middle of the toothpaste aisle, and you’re looking at all of the options, trying to figure out which one is best for you.
There are so many different types of toothpaste with promises such as preventing tooth decay and protecting your tooth enamel, and maybe you just go for something familiar that you grew up using.
If you’ve been doing some research into your health, maybe you’re looking for a brand that is more natural or has better ingredients.
Either way it’s an important choice because oral health is a crucial part of self-care, whether you are pregnant, postpartum, or just living your regular day-to-day life.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and understanding the available options out there is important to be informed about.
What Toothpaste Is Really For (and Why It Matters)
Everyone uses toothpaste, but it’s unlikely that you’ve thought of why it matters. Toothpaste is essential for maintaining your oral health.
It cleans the surface of your teeth, helps prevent tooth decay, protects your enamel, and supports gum health.
Some needs may vary for women based on whether or not you’re pregnant, where you are in your cycle, if you have entered menopause, or if there are other sensitivities that you may be dealing with.
Because of all those fluctuations and changes that a woman goes through, it’s essential to know whether or not your toothpaste really supports the stage of life or the season that you’re in.
9 Types of Toothpaste for Women to Choose From
Below is a list of the best toothpaste options for daily use to enhance oral care.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is the most common type of toothpaste, however, there has been new information shared about the potential danger of fluoride.
This type of toothpaste contains sodium fluoride, which is commonly known to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, but the benefits may not outweigh the risks.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste generally contains active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and stronger abrasives to target stains to produce a brighter smile.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Tarter control toothpaste, also known as anti-calculus toothpaste, is meant to reduce buildup on the tooth’s surface. This toothpaste uses zinc citrate to prevent tartar buildup on the teeth.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
You may find that during pregnancy or postpartum, you may deal with sensitive teeth and would benefit from toothpaste made for tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth toothpaste may use potassium nitrate in order to soothe the nerve endings in your teeth to reduce sensitivity.
Natural, Herbal & Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
If you are avoiding chemicals, you may benefit from a fluoride-free, herbal toothpaste or a natural toothpaste. You can skip the toothpaste aisle altogether and make your own DIY Toothpaste at home as well with natural ingredients and/or essential oils. I use a coconut oil and baking soda toothpaste I make myself.
Children’s Toothpaste
You can use a children’s toothpaste for extra gentleness while brushing your teeth. Many children’s toothpastes are formulated with gentler abrasive formulas.
Anti-Plaque / Anti-Gingivitis Toothpaste
During pregnancy, some women experience gingivitis. It may be helpful to use an anti-gingivitis to protect your gum health during that time and prevent gum disease.
Prescription or Specialty Toothpaste
Prescription or specialty toothpaste are designed to tackle specific dental issues such as dry mouth or enamel repair. If you feel that you may need additional support for your dental health you can mention this to your dental hygienist or dentist at your next visit.
How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for You
There are many different kinds of toothpaste available. What best suits you may depend on the stage of life you are in and the state of your health. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow down your options:
Do you experience tooth sensitivity?
Do you prefer natural or minimal ingredients?
Are you looking for something that is pregnancy safe?
Do you prefer fluoride in your toothpaste or are you anti-fluoride?
Asking yourself these questions will help you decide between the vast array of different toothpastes.
Final Thoughts: A Smile Is Self-Care
There is a lot of focus on self-care. Focusing on your smile might be the last thing that comes to your mind because it is such a common, daily practice that can get overlooked. Being comfortable in your own skin as a woman is one key to personal confidence, and being confident in your smile is one step in the right direction. Choosing the right toothpaste that supports you in having good oral hygiene and healthy teeth is just one way of building the confidence that you have in yourself.
Your smile is worth taking care of. Whether you’re pregnant, managing tooth sensitivities, or simply want to make more intentional choices. Take a moment today to check your toothpaste label. Is it serving your health, or just sitting on your sink? What is your favorite brand of toothpaste and why? Share below in the comments!
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