When Is It a Good Idea to Change Your Toothpaste Brand?

From a very young age, we're taught about how important brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice per year is to our dental health. Those measures help keep bacteria in the mouth at a minimum while reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They also aid in reducing the risk of developing gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist give your oral care team a chance to catch potential problems early and develop a treatment plan to help mitigate them as well. 

When to Consider Switching to a Different Type of Toothpaste

Numerous brands of toothpaste are on the market these days. On top of that, each brand has its own array of flavors and formulas to choose from. Though all the brands and variations on store shelves have been proven safe in general, not everyone responds well to all of them. If you've noticed certain problems while brushing your teeth or after the fact, you may need to change the type of toothpaste you're using.

You can contact the Best Family Dentist in your area to ask for recommendations for a new toothpaste based on the issues you're experiencing. In the meantime, though, take a look at some of the common signs that your toothpaste may be causing you trouble. 

Excessive Mouth Irritation

It's not uncommon to experience mild, intermittent mouth irritation after brushing especially if you're a particularly enthusiastic brusher. If you're dealing with excessive irritation of the tongue, gums, insides of the cheeks, or roof of your mouth, though, this could be a sign of trouble. You may be allergic to some of the ingredients in your toothpaste. Changing brands may solve the problem.

At the same time, some kinds of toothpaste are simply stronger than others. Some people simply can't handle the more overpowering varieties. Switching to a milder toothpaste can reduce the unpleasant effects. For example, if you're using a whitening toothpaste or one that contains baking soda and peroxide, consider trying a standard variety instead. 

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Bleeding and swollen gums are often warning signs of gum disease. These issues can also be caused by brushing your teeth too roughly. That being said, they can be indications of other problems as well. You may be allergic to the toothpaste you're using. On the other hand, your current toothpaste may not be effectively removing bacteria in your mouth and buildup on the teeth.

Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

Some people's teeth are naturally sensitive to heat and cold. Other times, tooth sensitivity can be a sign that the enamel on the teeth is wearing away and exposing the soft tissues within to outside forces. This is often caused by acidic foods and beverages. Either way, switching to a toothpaste that's specifically designed for sensitive teeth may alleviate the pain. These types of toothpaste help fill in the gaps left behind by worn enamel and make your teeth less sensitive. 

Get the Benefits of Toothpaste without the Problems

Brushing your teeth at least twice each day is essential to your oral health. It'll keep germs and buildup at bay while preventing unsightly stains and helping to keep your breath fresh. Brushing regularly isn't exactly easy if your toothpaste is causing pain and irritation, though. Don't feel like you have to endure the discomfort. Switching to a new brand or formula of toothpaste may be all it takes to solve the problem.