Squeaky Clean Teeth: The Best Toothpaste For Braces
How times have changed. It used to be that kids or adults wearing braces got picked on or jeered at (think Brace Face, Railroad Tracks, or other incredibly witty comments), but these days, braces have reached almost status symbol appeal. Getting them has become, at best, an exciting notion and, at worst, no big deal.
Even with other transparent options, many people are opting for the more traditional metal braces that are impossible to miss.
Although there’s no reason to hide your braces anymore, keeping your teeth clean around brackets and wires is still a chore.
Using the right toothpaste is important, and we’ve done our homework to offer you the best toothpaste for braces review!
Whatever you use to clean your teeth, follow a regular routine. Brush at least twice a day, and after meals when you can, since food gets trapped around brackets.
Remember to rinse your mouth well and use floss. Flossing with braces can be tricky, but with a little practice, we’re sure you’ll become a pro.
The Method
Dental hygiene is an important part of your grooming routine.
One of the first things that most people will notice about you is your smile. Clean white teeth can mean a world of difference.
When you first get your braces, your mouth might feel a little tender. This feeling will probably reoccur whenever you go in for a tightening.
Don’t let this tenderness throw you off a good dental routine. Your teeth need brushing and flossing just as much now as they ever did. Good toothpaste for braces is one that includes fluoride in its ingredient list.
The American Dental Association says fluoride strengthens enamel and helps reverse early decay, which matters when plaque collects around brackets.
This is especially important when you have braces since you have to work harder to get access to the same spots that were within easy reach before you had braces.
Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste Twin Pack
So what’s the best toothpaste for braces?
You know the name. Colgate is a household brand that millions of people all over the world recognize and trust.
They deserve their reputation. Colgate has expanded its toothpaste and mouthwash lines to cover pretty much any possibility that you’d want to in dental hygiene.
Their Colgate Total Whitening toothpaste contains fluoride, the key ingredient for preventing cavities.
It also helps to prevent and remove existing stains caused by smoking, red wine, coffee, and a whole host of other factors.
Colgate says its stain removal is gentle on enamel and that Total helps fight plaque and gingivitis.
The brand also claims germ protection for up to 12 hours after brushing. Whitening pastes only remove surface stains, so ask your orthodontist before using stronger whitening products while you wear braces.
Stain and germ fighting is especially important if you’ve got braces, as it does become more difficult to get to those hard-to-reach places.
Pros & Cons
The best toothpaste for braces offers you extra protection when you’re already struggling with a tender mouth and gums and trying hard to reach all surface areas of your teeth.
Colgate is a well-known name, and many dental offices hand out sample tubes. Whatever brand you choose, look for fluoride and the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
One con is that this toothpaste is a paste and not a gel. If you’re the type of person that prefers gel, this product might not be your favorite.
It also tends to foam quite a bit, which some people don’t like.
In Summary
Colgate Total Whitening is a solid fluoride toothpaste for braces, with added plaque and gingivitis protection.
The toothpaste matters less than how you brush. Take your time around every bracket, clean between teeth daily and keep your regular dental and orthodontic visits.
And, of course, don’t forget to check out this dentist in Pasadena so they can also check your teeth and provide more insights on how you can keep them healthy.
Sources
- Toothpastes, American Dental Association
- Oral Health Tips for Children, CDC
