Are Expensive Toothpastes More Effective?

Last time I was at the dentist for a teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist handed me a toothpaste sample on my way out of the office. Because it was small in size, I took the sample with me when we traveled to look for housing before our move last fall. I really liked its flavor, so I went to add some to my cart last time I needed toothpaste. However, it never made it into my cart because my jaw literally dropped and my hand recoiled when I saw the price of it!

Run-of-the-mill toothpastes (not special ones for sensitive teeth or prescription ones) used to cost a dollar or two. Now, I see many priced at $5.00 to $10.00 per tube. While I do wonder why companies like Crest and Colgate charge that much for the same product that cost only $2.00-$4.00 a few years ago, exploring the price increase is not the point of today’s post.

The point is to examine if there is any benefit to expensive toothpastes. Is a $9.00 tube of toothpaste that promises to detoxify the gums or release plaque any better for teeth than a $2.00 tube of plain old cavity prevention toothpaste? Here’s what the experts say.

Why use toothpaste anyway?

Fluoride toothpaste does several beneficial things for the mouth:

• Strengthens enamel that has been weakened by acids
• Helps teeth resist decay and even reverses early decay
• Removes plaque
• Prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria
• Cleans and polishes surfaces of teeth
• Removes stains
• Freshens breath

I specified above that these are the benefits of fluoride toothpastes because there are fluoride-free toothpastes available. Though these latter toothpastes help with polishing the teeth and freshening breath, they do not offer the benefit of remineralizing enamel, which strengthens the teeth and reduces decay.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Water in many areas and many foods (e.g., shellfish, meats, cheeses) naturally contain it. Because fluoride, when present at the right level, contributes to healthy teeth and bones, many public water supplies in the U.S. are fluoridated. This builds on the benefits that residents get from fluoride toothpaste.

Sodium fluoride vs. stannous fluoride

There are two types of fluoride commonly used in toothpastes: sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. Both effectively help prevent cavities. The difference is that stannous fluoride has an antimicrobial effect against the bacteria that cause gum disease. However, stannous fluoride can also stain teeth. According to dentists, sodium fluoride is sufficient for most patients, but some (for example, those with early-onset gum disease, those that are immunocompromised due to head/neck radiation, etc.) may benefit from stannous fluoride.

Cheap vs. expensive toothpastes

When it comes to the price of toothpastes, price does not necessarily correlate with performance. All fluoride toothpastes, regardless of brand or type (gel, paste, or powder), do a good job fighting plaque, preventing cavities, cleaning, and polishing the enamel. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get effective toothpaste!

You might choose a more expensive toothpaste because it contains an ingredient that does something other than preventing cavities (for example, preventing sensitivity in teeth or whitening teeth). However, for most individuals, the key is simply to find a fluoride toothpaste that has a flavor and texture that you like so that you will use it consistently.

ADA Seal of Acceptance

Some toothpastes feature the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The seal is present on toothpastes that have met specific efficiency and safety standards. In other words, these toothpastes contain the right ingredients, in the right quantities, to effectively prevent cavities. Selecting an ADA-approved toothpaste is an easy way to make sure a toothpaste is both effective and safe.

Final thoughts

It’s a relief that affordable toothpastes can be just as effective as expensive ones! While I won’t be buying the type of toothpaste my dentist gave me as a sample, I’m grateful that affordable options provide the same benefits.

For additional information about selecting an effective toothpaste, please visit my sources:

• Oral Health Topics: Toothpastes
• Treatments and Procedures: Fluoride
• Myths and Facts: Responses to Common Anti-Fluoride Claims
• Sodium Fluoride vs. Stannous Fluoride: Which is Best for Me?

How do you go about choosing a toothpaste? Which have you really liked?