Author: Dr. Eric Hull

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we urge all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. This very good habit is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your dental health.

What kind of toothpaste should you use? There is no one-size-fits-all product on the market.  There’s a huge selection of toothpastes in any grocery store. You want to make the best choice for your teeth, but it isn’t always easy to make up your mind.

Different types of toothpastes have specific active ingredients that make them work. Fluoride is by far the most important thing to look for. But there are many other ingredients; what follows is a rundown of the more common ones.

• Detergents. Sodium lauryl sulfate is nearly ubiquitous, not only in toothpaste, but in other personal care products like shampoo. Sometimes it’s called Sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate. It’s the stuff that makes products foamy. Some people are sensitive to it, and some consumer advocacy groups say it can be hazardous. There are toothpastes that don’t have it.
• Whiteners. The most common toothpaste whitener is hydrogen peroxide, but there are others, like polyphosphates. While they do a modest job whitening teeth, many experts agree that the whitening agents aren’t strong enough, or in contact with the teeth long enough, to do a really good job and can be abrasive. To get really white teeth, try professional whitening from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.
• Desensitizers. Some people’s teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods than others. And some are more tactile-sensitive. Used on a regular basis, desensitizing toothpastes can be very effective, but it’s a good idea to get a dentist’s recommendation first.
• Plaque fighters. A toothpaste ingredient called triclosan is believed to fight plaque and gum inflammation. While it seemed promising at first, more recent studies indicate triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance, disrupt hormones and the immune system and can be abrasive.

Always read the label, and make sure the toothpaste you’re considering has the American Dental Association seal. If you see it, it means the ADA considers it safe and effective. Whatever you choose, brush and floss twice each day!

Feel free to ask us for a recommendation, and what might be best for your particular set of teeth. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we offer complete general and family dentistry. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford MI also come to us for Invisalign clear braces and dental implants. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Most people know that flossing is an important part of oral health. As we like to remind our patients at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General in Comstock Park, the value of this  exercise in oral hygiene has been shown time and time again.

Flossing is your chance to remove the food debris that a toothbrush can’t reach.

WHICH KIND IS BEST?

When it comes to what dental floss to use, there is a lot to choose from. Flavored or unflavored? Waxed or unwaxed? Wide or thin?

No single type of floss is right for everyone. You might even benefit from having more than one kind in your medicine chest. With a little trial and error, you can narrow down your choices to find what works best for you.

A recent study shows there really isn’t much difference in the effectiveness of the different types of dental floss. Here are some things to consider:

• Waxed floss fits more easily into tight spaces
• Unwaxed floss tends to squeak against clean teeth, an indicator that plaque is gone
• Wider dental tape may work better in gaps between teeth, and on bridgework

One word of caution: we recommend traditional string floss that you can pull out in a long strand, as opposed to a flossing pick. Those little picks are handy, but not as effective as string floss. They’re okay when you’re on the go, but be sure to use regular floss as part of your dental hygiene routine before bedtime. Whatever your preference may be, the important thing is to floss at least once each day.

People from Ada, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry  for family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321