Spirit Dental Resources

A toothache is a sign that something is wrong, so seeing your dentist is necessary. But there are some natural remedies that you can try until your appointment. Below are five at-home tricks that might bring you some much-needed relief. Apply Some Clove Oil to the Affected Area Okay, we know that this sounds pretty weird, but clove oil might be able to numb the pain of your toothache. That’s because the main chemical compound that is found in cloves is eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic that numbs nerves. And, believe it or not, clove oil might be just as effective as the numbing ingredient known as benzocaine, which is found in toothache gels sold over-the-counter. Who knew, right? You can find clove oil at a health food store, and all you need is just a few drops. To use this oil, soak a cotton ball with it and gently dab the oil against the tooth that is aching. Use this oil carefully, though, as it might make the pain worse if it ends up on a sensitive area of your gums or on your tongue. You could also dilute it with a bit of olive oil to reduce its intensity, if necessary. Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water You’ve heard of gargling with salt water when you have a sore throat, but did you know that you can also rinse your mouth with a bit of saltwater to get some pain relief when you have a toothache? It’s true! This homemade mouthwash could help clear away any debris irritating your teeth and gums. Plus, by drawing out excess fluid from the gums, it might also reduce any swelling that you might be experiencing. Use about 8 ounces of warm water and about ½ teaspoon of salt to thoroughly rinse the mouth for roughly 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can do this as often as you need to throughout the day. Use Some Tea for Your Teeth If you already like peppermint tea, this solution will be super easy for you. Thanks to its slight numbing ability, peppermint tea might be able to help soothe your aching tooth. Or you could go with black tea instead because there are astringent tannins within it, and they might help to reduce any pain that is the result of swelling within the mouth. To make your peppermint tea, you can place 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Allow the leaves to steep for roughly 20 minutes. Once the tea is cool, you can rinse your mouth with it and then either swallow it or spit it out. If you are planning on using black tea, you can simply apply a wet, warm tea bag against your tooth instead. Place a Cold Compress on Your Cheek Applying a cold compress to your cheek might help alleviate the swelling and pain within superficial nerves. If you don’t have a reusable cold compress that you can purchase at your local pharmacy, you can instead wrap some ice around a towel or put some ice into a plastic bag and then wrap a cloth around it. All you have to do is place the cold compress on the cheek area over your toothache. You definitely don’t want to apply it directly to your teeth (ouch!). Leave the compress on for a few minutes at a time, such as for about 15 minutes. Swish Some Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Mouth Rinsing your mouth with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution might help to reduce your discomfort, as well as eliminate bacteria. Try this remedy if you also have a foul taste in your mouth or a fever that accompanies your toothache, as those symptoms indicate that there is likely an infection. Be careful, as you don’t want to swallow the hydrogen peroxide. Instead, dilute it with some water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. Then clean your mouth by rinsing it a few times with water. Time to See Your Dentist! Just remember that these natural home remedies might give you some short-term pain relief, but your dentist will be able to get to the root of the problem and provide you with the appropriate treatment to make you all better. To prevent your condition from worsening, book your appointment as soon as you start feeling a toothache (with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods). Experts also recommend that you keep seeing your dentist regularly for checkups to catch signs of cavities or gum disease as soon as possible. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache#1 https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/home-remedies-for-toothache/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/natural-toothache-relief

It’s easy to get lazy when it comes to following an at-home dental hygiene routine, or when it comes to avoiding foods and drinks that you know are bad for your teeth and gums. But, over time, these tendencies could ruin your smile. Which habits are most liable to put your oral health at risk? Not Brushing Enough…Or Brushing Too Hard Do you ever find yourself too tired at night to brush your teeth before bed? Or maybe you don’t think that brushing your teeth twice a day is actually necessary. The truth, though, is that experts recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. This is one of the most important habits to prevent problems. But brushing incorrectly could also wreck your teeth. If you think that brushing harder will get the job done better, think again. Brushing too aggressively or with a toothbrush that’s too hard could not only irritate your gums but also damage your teeth. What to do instead: Brush your teeth and gums gently using a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush that will do most of the work for you. Chewing on Non-Food Items Chewing on non-food items, like your pen cap or pencil, or even your fingernails could lead to cracked or chipped teeth. You might chew on items without even realizing it while you’re deeply focused on studying or working, but if you find yourself doing it, it’s best to switch to a healthy alternative. What to do instead: Experts recommend reaching for some sugar-free gum when you want to chew on something. Bonus: chewing on gum will increase saliva flow, helping to clean your mouth while protecting your enamel against acid. Using Your Teeth as Tools If you’re using your teeth for anything other than chewing food, you might be doing damage to your pearly whites. According to experts, it’s best to avoid doing things like opening plastic packaging or bottle caps with your mouth. Otherwise, your teeth might chip or crack in the process. What to do instead: Keep helpful tools, such as bottle openers and a small pair of scissors, in a handy location so you won’t be tempted to use your teeth to get things open. Indulging Too Much in Damaging Foods and Drinks There are a few foods that could do damage to your teeth, but some of the worst culprits include: Ice: A pretty shocking fact about ice is that you could end up cracking or chipping your teeth by chewing on it. Frozen water might appear harmless, but experts recommend thinking twice before grabbing a cube to munch on. Cough Drops: If you need to have a cough drop because you aren’t feeling well, that’s totally fine. Just keep in mind that most contain a lot of sugar, so brushing afterwards is recommended. Candy: Like sugary cough drops, hard candies and gummies contain sugar that will react with any plaque on your teeth. The sugar can then be converted into acid that destroys enamel and leads to cavities. Potato Chips: We’re sure you can’t eat just one (we can’t either), but potato chips are actually quite bad for your teeth. Blame the bacteria found in plaque, as it will break starchy foods down into acid, which will then wreak havoc on your teeth. Flossing after indulging in starchy foods like chips could help remove any particles that got stuck in between your teeth before they can do more harm. Lemons: The acidity of lemons could corrode tooth enamel. So if you repeatedly chew on lemons or suck on them to get their juice, the texture of your teeth could become rough over time. In addition to these foods, there are also several beverages that, when consumed too often, could damage your teeth. These include: Soda: Like candy, soda could expose your teeth to way too much sugar. But soda also has citric acid and phosphoric acid, which both damage enamel. And if you think you’re safe with diet soda because they don’t contain sugar, the bad news is that these sodas might contain greater amounts of acid, thanks to their artificial sweeteners. Wow! Fruit Juice: Sure, fruit juice is natural and packed with nutrients, but consider checking the label for sugar content first, as your favorite juice might be just as bad as soda. Stick with juices that don’t have any added sugar, or try diluting your juice by adding a bit of water to it. Sports Drinks: After working out, you might like reaching for a sports drink to rehydrate your body, but these are often high in sugar, allowing acid to attack the teeth and cause decay over time. Sticking with pure water is the preferred way to keep your body hydrated. Wine: There are acids in red and white wine that could damage enamel, as well as lead to rough areas on your teeth that could make them more susceptible to unsightly stains. To counter stains, you can try using a whitening toothpaste. Or you can even try rinsing your mouth with water right after having wine in an effort to prevent stains. Grinding, Smoking, and Sports, Oh My! Grinding and clenching your teeth: You might not realize that you’re doing it, but grinding or clenching your teeth could wear them down. Your dentist will be able to tell if you’re grinding your teeth, and she’ll also be able to provide solutions that will help you stop the damage. Smoking: In addition to staining your teeth, smoking might even cause them to fall out! Ditching those cigarettes will help reduce your risk of gum disease, cancer, and other serious oral health issues. Playing sports without protecting your mouth: Contact sports, such as hockey and football, could put your teeth at risk, particularly when you play without protecting your mouth. Simply wearing a mouthguard every time you play will help defend your chompers from getting chipped or—even worse—getting knocked out! The Worst Habit: Not Seeing Your Dentist It’s tough to avoid all of the habits above all the time, but seeing your dentist at least once a year could help you keep your teeth in tiptop shape. Your dentist has the tools necessary to thoroughly clean your teeth, as well as look for any signs of damage that requires treatment to halt its progression. So be sure to book your appointments, and make your visits more affordable with the help of the right Spirit dental plan.

Updated October 2023We all know that emotional stress can wreak havoc on your body and undo all of the hard work that you’ve put into being strong and healthy. But does the mind-body connection extend to your teeth? Could the stress of your deadlines, relationships, and other daily struggles be causing your oral health problems? The answer is yes!All that tension goes to your jawHave you ever noticed that, when you’re feeling frazzled, you tend to tighten your jaw muscles and clench your teeth? This is a common side effect of stress, but it isn’t good for the health of your mouth, so being aware of this problem and getting the appropriate treatment could help prevent complications.Bruxism refers to the clenching and grinding of your teeth, and when you are stressed, you might be doing it in your sleep without even being conscious of it. When you are frustrated, angry, or tense, you might start waking up with soreness in your jaw, or you might even have other symptoms of this condition. A few of those symptoms include the tips of your teeth looking flatter than usual, indentations on your tongue, or sensitive teeth as a result of your enamel being rubbed off.In addition to bruxism, too much stress might cause temporomandibular disorders, also known as TMJ. When you’re tense, all that grinding and clenching could really put a strain on your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (your jaw joint). Signs of TMJ also include flat teeth and a reduction in enamel, but you might also have pain in your jaw, or your jaw might make a clicking sound when you move it. Not fun!Stress could lead to unsightly soresCanker sores and cold sores might occur more often if you find yourself stressed all the time.Feeling emotionally drained could lower your immune system’s ability to defend your body against pathogens, and canker sores—those small grayish or white spots that can pop up out of nowhere in your mouth—might be triggered by emotional distress. On top of that, cold sores, which are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus, might also appear on your lips when you are upset. How embarrassing!If you suffer from these sores, try to take note of when an outbreak occurs. Were you feeling stressed or going through a difficult time when the sores appeared? If so, they might be the result of your body’s defenses taking a hit. Consider slowing down and taking extra care of yourself so your immune system will be able to power up again.Even your gums could sufferStudies have shown that when you are emotionally unwell, you have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease (that’s the fancy term for gum disease). And the more stressed you are, the more severe the gum disease could be. Who knew?!Experts believe that, because bacteria cause gum disease, if your body is under a lot of stress and your immune system is weaker than it should be, the bacteria will be able to thrive and cause damage to your gums.But wait, there’s more!Other dental problems that may arise as a result of a lack of emotional well-being include:Acid reflux, which could damage tooth enamelDry mouth, which is uncomfortable and could boost the risk of tooth decay, oral infections, and gum diseaseStress could also cause you to neglect your oral hygiene routine. When you aren’t brushing and flossing every day, the risk of bacteria multiplying and causing a variety of ailments, from tooth decay to gum disease, increases.Those who are under a lot of stress might even find it difficult to eat the right foods or eat on a healthy schedule. This could potentially lead to nutritional imbalances that might adversely affect oral health.Save yourself from the effects of stressThe bad news is that poor emotional health can indeed adversely affect your dental health. The good news is that your dentist can provide solutions if you develop any of these problems. So in addition to taking small steps every day to minimize your stress as much as possible, whether that means taking up meditation or carving out time for yourself to do something you enjoy, it’s important to see your dentist at least once a year. And having the right dental insurance plan will ensure you can book your appointment as soon as you need it.Your dentist has the right expertise and tools to thoroughly examine your mouth and search for signs that stress is taking a toll on your oral health. Once your dentist diagnoses the problem, whether it’s bruxism or gum disease, she can provide you with the appropriate treatments to ensure your smile will be bright and your mouth will be pain-free.The link between your feelings and your body is strong, even when it comes to your teeth and gums. So in addition to tackling oral problems from a physical angle, consider taking steps to sustain your mental and emotional health as well. Here’s to being happier, stressing less, and smiling more!Sources:https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/stress-teeth?page=2th%2Fgallery%2F0%2C%2C20642595_8%2C00.htmlhttps://www.malminortho.co.uk/emotional-health-affect-teeth/https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1

Few things are more embarrassing than having bad breath. But combating those offensive odors in your mouth can be more of a challenge than you first anticipate. So how can you be sure your breath will always smell fresh and clean, and won’t cause people to take a step back when they’re talking to you? Check out the easy bad breath fighting tips below to get started. The Foundation: Brushing and Flossing Every Day Okay, we know this first tip is pretty obvious, but one of the main ways to stop bad breath in its tracks is by simply brushing and flossing every day. Experts recommend that you brush at least twice a day and for about two minutes each time. Also, floss at least once a day, but you can get even better results if you floss after each meal. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that neglecting this basic cleaning routine will result in food particles staying in your mouth, leading to offensive breath. Yuck! But the good news is that just brushing and flossing can cut down on bacteria, food particles, and plaque, while also fighting a periodontal disease that causes bad breath. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue! Bad breath doesn’t just come from your teeth and gums; it can also originate from compounds that are basically a combination of amino acids and bacteria. These compounds can be found on your tongue, and they smell nasty. So in addition to brushing and flossing, you can use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to gently scrape your tongue and freshen it right up.   Rinse and Repeat A therapeutic mouthwash could be really helpful when it comes to overcoming bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of with just brushing and flossing. Rinsing your mouth before or after your brushing routine, or even after each meal, is a good way to inhibit plaque and help prevent problems like gingivitis and dry mouth. Plus, that minty freshness will help make your mouth feel clean in between brushings. Want to go au naturel? Try rinsing your mouth with a few drops of natural peppermint oil mixed in water. Or rinse your mouth with tea. A study found that rinsing the mouth with green tea or black tea might help to inhibit bacterial growth that leads to bad breath. Who knew? Rinsing to no avail? Then your bad breath might be caused by something more serious, so you should see your dentist to figure out whether there’s tooth decay, gum disease, or even tonsil stones to blame. Plus, when there are other problems causing halitosis, a mouthwash might only end up irritating oral tissues and causing your breath to worsen. Eating and Drinking for Fresher Breath Did you know that staying hydrated and eating right can help prevent bad breath? Drink water throughout the day to keep bad breath away by essentially moisturizing your mouth and rinsing away debris. If you suffer from dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is even more important. But even if you don’t have dry mouth, drinking water after you exercise, during and after meals, and when you wake up will help keep your breath fresh. Here are a few of the foods that you should avoid if you want to prevent bad breath: garlic, raw onions, high-sugar foods like cereals, and acidic foods like vinegar. After all, sugars and acids will boost the bacteria count in your mouth, and that bacteria will stink. Foods that can help to naturally reduce the occurrence of bad breath include whole grains, orange veggies, dark green veggies, fruits, seeds, nuts, and beans. That’s because these foods can enhance saliva flow in the mouth, preventing dryness and helping to keep the mouth free of food debris. Fresh veggies and fruits, particularly those that are crispy, can help to boost saliva production and flow, inhibiting bad breath by naturally cleansing the mouth. So if you want to have a snack, consider munching on some carrots or apples, as a couple of examples. Here’s another interesting fact: fasting, along with hunger, can also cause bad breath. Rather than originating in your mouth, bad breath that’s associated with not eating is actually caused by acids building up in your stomach. Okay, gross. So go ahead and use that as an excuse to enjoy some snacks in between meals. But keep them healthy, like the crispy veggies and fruits mentioned above. Chewing on some sugarless gum (keyword: sugarless) or indulging in some sugarless candy can—you guessed it—also spur on the production and flow of saliva in the mouth. Think of saliva as your body’s tool for washing away bacteria and debris that could lead to bad breath, so popping a sugar-free mint in your mouth can not only mask the odor but also actually help get rid of it.   Smoking and Bad Breath Go Hand in Hand Do you still smoke? If so, here’s another great reason to ditch this unhealthy habit: your bad breath could be caused by your cigarettes. Tobacco can dry out the mouth, and the smoke you inhale has an offensive odor of its own. This combination could cause bad breath to hang around even if you brush and floss daily. So the best way to freshen your breath—and reduce the odds that you will develop other oral health issues that can arise from smoking—is to seek help so you can quit for good. Make a Date with Your Dentist Because there are dental and gum ailments that could lead to chronic bad breath, and because there are also systemic issues that could be causing your halitosis, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is really important. In addition to cleaning your teeth and gums, your dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your mouth to find the cause of your halitosis and prescribe the appropriate solutions so you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore. So there you have it. By following a few simple steps in your everyday routine, you can prevent bad breath and have the confidence to not only show off your smile but also speak your mind, however, close you are to the person next to you. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/five-ways-to-reverse-tooth-decay   https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/fighting-bad-breath.html https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/get-rid-bad-breath?page=1

Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps that can be taken on a daily basis can help you maintain fresh breath, while also reducing your odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Want to be absolutely sure that you’re covering all of your bases when it comes to your dental care routine? We’ve outlined the basics below to make taking care of your mouth a breeze. Brushing Basics To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, experts recommend thoroughly brushing at least twice a day, and at least for two minutes at a time. If you eat sticky or sugary foods, brushing afterward is also a good idea, as those foods could stick around and wreak havoc on your dental health. There are plenty of kinds of toothpaste to choose from, including those that will go a step beyond cleaning to also whiten and brighten your smile, as well as those designed for sensitive teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended, as are electric toothbrushes that can more efficiently clean the teeth and gums. Hard bristled brushes aren’t the best idea, as they could end up doing more harm than good by causing irritation. Gentle is the way to go. When it comes to brushing, though, it doesn’t end with choosing a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste; you also need to use the right technique. Try small circular motions, rather than brushing in a straight line side to side, so that you can properly clean the entire surface of every tooth, as well as the gum line. After you brush your teeth, you can also brush your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, which can all harbor nasty bacteria. Ultimately, a thorough brushing will ensure your gums are massaged, your breath is freshened, your tongue is cleaned, and all of those food particles and plaque are removed before they can cause problems. Ah, nothing beats a fresh mouth! Rinsing Recommendations To rinse or not to rinse? Well, it’s essentially up to you, and you can certainly ask your dentist for advice to determine if you need to use a mouthwash. You can choose to rinse with mouthwash before or after you brush, as either option could be beneficial and serve as a way to keep your entire mouth fresh and clean. The right mouth rinse could loosen up food debris, treat dry mouth, and freshen your breath by killing bacteria rather than merely masking odor. Just know that this isn’t a substitute for brushing. Sorry! Flossing Foundations Flossing may seem like a hassle, but it’s an essential step that can really get in between your teeth and remove debris that your toothbrush could miss. Taking a few minutes to floss every day is recommended, as it could even help keep the gums clean and healthy. You can choose the type of floss that you prefer, whether you like electric water flossers or traditional string floss. For teeth that have wider spaces between them, dental tape could be more effective than regular floss, but if you have teeth that are quite close together, you might be more comfortable using thin, waxed floss. And if you have partial dentures, braces, or a bridge, threaders and floss holders can come in handy. If you’re going to use string floss, use anywhere from 18-24” of it, wrapping the majority around one of your index fingers before wrapping the rest, aside from about 4” of string, around your other index finger. With your thumbs and forefingers, grip the floss so you can move it in a sawing motion between your teeth, and use a gentle hand as you scrape between and around the teeth and gums. As you move from one tooth to the next, you can adjust the string to always have a clean portion to use. Trust us, you’ll be done before you know it! Dental Diet Dental care also includes eating the right foods to keep those chompers as clean as they can possibly be in between brushings. Pure water can rinse the mouth of debris, while foods that have a bit of an abrasive texture, such as raw fruits and vegetables, could assist in keeping the exterior of the teeth clean. And foods that contain high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C could support your teeth from the inside. Consuming too much sugar and starchy carbs could contribute to plaque and bacteria in the mouth, so cutting back on these foods, or at least brushing after eating them, might be beneficial too. Extra Essentials Although following all of the steps above can put you on the right track towards maintaining stellar dental health, nothing beats a trip to the dentist. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is an essential component to any oral care routine, as he or she will be able to spot problems in their earliest stages and give your mouth a total cleaning that will remove anything that your toothbrush and floss left behind. And with a Spirit Dental plan, you can enjoy three cleanings per year, which means your smile will always sparkle.   So there you have it. Dental care 101 involves brushing, flossing, and rinsing, along with eating right and making appointments with your dentist. Just remember: a consistent cleaning routine will help keep those teeth and gums strong and beautiful. Sources: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/oral-hygiene.htm https://www.bearpeakdental.com/dental-care-101-tips-you-can-use-starting-today/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/using-a-floss-threader-make-flossing-easier

Walk down the aisle of your local supermarket or drugstore and you’ll find an array of toothpaste options. Not only are there so many brands to choose from, but each brand also has several formulations to meet your dental health needs. There’s whitening toothpaste, fluoride and non-fluoride products, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums, as a few examples. But which toothpaste should you be using? After all, having so many choices can make things even more confusing, so we’ve compiled some information below to help you make the right decision. Need to Stop Cavities from Popping Up? Do you find yourself dealing with cavities far too often? Does just about every trip to the dentist result in him telling you that yet another cavity has been found? Then it might be time to switch your toothpaste, in addition to following a stricter dental hygiene protocol at home. Fluoride toothpaste is a great choice for those who want to prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that will coat your teeth and protect them from the acids that can cause decay. Just be sure to purchase a product that features the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, and check the label to see if it contains an anti-cavity formulation. Also, when plaque on your teeth hardens, it turns into tartar, which only your dentist can remove through professional cleaning. Therefore, if you want to prevent cavities and other problems from developing, you can opt for a fluoride-containing toothpaste that boasts ingredients that will help fight tartar too. Check the label for ingredients like zinc citrate or pyrophosphates. If over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste isn’t enough, you can ask your dentist about a prescription cavity-fighting toothpaste that has even more power to keep decay at bay. Need to Get Rid of Embarrassing Stains? Many of the foods and drinks, such as coffee, that you indulge in on a regular basis could be causing your teeth to look stained and yellow. While you can use over-the-counter whitening treatments and talk to your dentist about professional whitening procedures, you can also use a whitening toothpaste to keep stains off your teeth as best as possible every day. A standard whitening formula will have mildly abrasive ingredients that will work with your toothbrush to polish your teeth. Every time you brush, you could be working towards preventing the buildup of new stains, but you might find it harder to get rid of older stains. If you need more whitening power, opt for a toothpaste that has modified silicone abrasives in its formula. Advanced whitening products can help you get a whiter smile in about a month, so if you are still unsatisfied with the results, it’s best to consult with your dentist or try a tougher whitening product, such as whitening strips or trays. Need to Reduce Sensitivity? Has your dentist diagnosed you with sensitive teeth or gums? Then simply choose a toothpaste that contains ingredients like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, as these will help desensitize your mouth and reduce pain. Also, be sure to use a toothbrush that isn’t too stiff, and brush your teeth more gently to help reduce irritation. A Few Final Tips: When shopping for the toothpaste that will suit your needs, be sure it has the ADA seal on its packaging. This will prove that the product has been evaluated for effectiveness and safety. There are many brands that produce herbal toothpaste, as well as those that are made using natural ingredients, and they can clean and whiten your teeth like conventional options. Avoid toothpaste that is made in China, as they may contain harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol, which was found in some imported products in 2007. The Expert You Can Always Turn To: Your Dentist! In addition to using the right toothpaste at home, having your teeth cleaned and your entire mouth examined by your dentist regularly is crucial when it comes to maintaining your oral health. If in doubt, talk to your dentist about what toothpaste you should be using. He or she will be able to advise you on the specific formula that you should look for, especially if you’re suffering from gum disease or cavities. Sources: https://www.prevention.com/health/g20507482/the-best-toothpaste-for-your-teeth   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/weighing-your-toothpaste-options#1