Ideal toothpaste: safe and personalized choice

The ideal toothpaste is not the same for everyone. Each mouth has different needs, so the choice should consider sensitivity, gums, risk of cavities, age, pregnancy, and canker sores. In this simple and straightforward guide, I explain how to read the label, which active ingredients to look for, and when to seek professional help, always focusing on safety.

How to Read Your Toothpaste Label

• Fluoride (ppm): For most adults, 1,000–1,500 ppm is suitable. In high-risk cases of cavities, the dentist may prescribe 5,000 ppm. Common types: sodium fluoride (NaF) and stannous fluoride (SnF2).
• Abrasiveness (RDA): Up to 70 is low, 70–100 moderate, and 100–150 higher. Prefer lower RDA if you have recession, erosion, or exposed roots.
• Foam (SLS): Sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate people with canker sores. If this is your case, try an SLS-free formula.
• Useful actives: Sensitivity (potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine 8%), plaque/halitosis control (tin, zinc, CPC).
• “Whitening” claims: Check if it's due to abrasives, “optical effect” (blue covarine), or peroxides. Not all “whitening” is harmless.

Dentist's Tip: Complete labels indicate fluoride ppm and sometimes RDA. If in doubt, photograph the label and bring it to your appointment.

Dental Sensitivity: What Really Helps

• Evidence-based actives: Potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, and arginine 8%.
• How to use: Brush twice a day and wait 2–4 weeks to feel consistent improvement.
• Avoid: High RDA, aggressive brushing, and abrasive “whitening” on exposed roots.
• Seek evaluation: If sensitivity starts suddenly or doesn't improve, there may be cavities, cracks, recession, or erosion.

Gingivitis and Bleeding

• What helps: Stannous fluoride, zinc, and CPC can aid in plaque and halitosis control.
• The essentials: Brushing technique, interdental cleaning (floss or brushes), and hygiene appointments.
• Warning: Persistent bleeding is a sign of inflammation. Schedule a periodontal evaluation.

Need personalized guidance? Whenever you want, book your appointment in Porto and bring the label of your current toothpaste.

High Risk of Cavities

• Recommended: 1,450 ppm of fluoride daily, thorough nighttime brushing, and low to medium abrasiveness toothpaste.
• When to intensify: Under prescription, 5,000 ppm can be used for defined periods and fluoride varnishes in the clinic.
• Habits that weigh: Snacking between meals, acidic drinks, reflux, dry mouth, and orthodontic appliances increase risk.

Recurrent Canker Sores

• Try: SLS-free formulas; some people report less discomfort.
• Manage triggers: Hard brush trauma, stress, and very acidic/spicy foods.

Pregnancy: Safety First

• Fluoride is safe in recommended use and helps prevent cavities.
• If nauseous: After episodes, rinse with water (or water with a bit of baking soda) and wait ~30 minutes before brushing.
• Comfort: If you have canker sores or foam nausea, try SLS-free toothpaste.

Children and Adolescents

• Amount of toothpaste: Up to ~3 years, a thin “smear” of fluoridated paste; from 3 to 6, a “pea” size. From then on, adjust to risk and always supervise.
• Fluoride: Use age and risk-appropriate fluoride toothpaste; do not rinse excessively after brushing, just spit.
• With braces: 1,450 ppm, interdental brushes, and attention to sugary snacks.

Seniors and Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

• Prefer: Low abrasiveness, gentle formulas, SLS-free, with fluoride and, if possible, xylitol.
• Exposed roots: Require low RDA and reinforced preventive routine.
• Medications: Many reduce saliva; talk to your dentist and doctor.

“Whitening” Toothpastes: Benefits and Cautions

• Abrasives: Help remove external stains, but high RDA can worsen sensitivity and wear on exposed dentin.
• Optical agents: Like blue covarine, can give the impression of whiter teeth without altering enamel.
• Peroxides: In toothpaste have limited effect. For real and safe whitening, discuss clinical options.

Quick Checklist: 6 Steps to Choose

1. Define the main goal: cavities, sensitivity, gums, or aesthetics.
2. Check the appropriate fluoride (ppm) for your age and risk.
3. Look for the right active: potassium/tin/arginine for sensitivity; tin/zinc/CPC for plaque.
4. Prefer low to medium RDA (≤100–150; below 70 is gentler).
5. If you have canker sores, try an SLS-free toothpaste.
6. If in doubt, bring the label to your appointment.

When to See the Dentist

• Bleeding that doesn't improve in 7–10 days.
• Pain or sensitivity that worsens or keeps returning.
• Spots that grow quickly or tooth fracture.
• Tooth mobility or accelerated gum recession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 1,000, 1,450, and 5,000 ppm? The higher the number, the higher the fluoride concentration. 1,000–1,500 ppm serves most adults. 5,000 ppm is prescription-only, for high risk.

Does high RDA whiten more? Removes stains faster but can be aggressive. Prefer a balance between cleaning and protection.

Does fluoride-free toothpaste prevent cavities? There is no strong evidence. Fluoride is the gold standard in prevention.

I have braces: should I change toothpaste? Use 1,450 ppm, good technique, and interdental cleaning. The routine is as important as the toothpaste.

Is activated charcoal safe? Evidence of benefit is weak and can increase abrasiveness. Caution.

How long does sensitivity toothpaste take to work? Generally 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

Next Steps

If you want a personalized recommendation, bring your history and the label of your current toothpaste. Together, we'll determine the best option for your case. To start, Book an appointment in Porto. If you prefer, send your questions via direct message.

Useful readings: WHO – Fluoride in toothpaste and ADA – Toothpaste Abrasivity (RDA).