Toothpaste

There are literally dozens of brands to choose from. But don't feel overwhelmed. Dentists say it's hard to make a wrong choice, because most toothpastes, used regularly for two minutes twice a day, get rid of plaque and mild stains and get fluoride to teeth to help fight cavities.

Still, when you're shopping for toothpaste, there's a lot to consider. Here's a guide to some of the key ingredients and features available in a variety of brands.

Key Features of Toothpaste

Fluoride:
This is by far the key ingredient in toothpaste. Available in most brands since the 1960s, fluoride fights cavities by hardening the outer enamel surface of teeth, making them less susceptible to decay. Once decay is present, however, don't count on fluoride to reverse the damage—it's too late. Some toothpastes have more fluoride than others, but the difference is insignificant in terms of effectiveness, say experts.

Plaque removers:
Plaque is the sticky film of saliva and bacteria that can cause tooth decay, if not removed. Most toothpastes are formulated with mild abrasives (silica is a common one) that do a good job at fighting plaque. To ensure that your toothpaste has plaque-fighting properties, you can always look for products with the seal of approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). Alas, to remove plaque from between teeth, you have to floss.

Tartar control:
Tartar is hardened plaque. But experts say you can help prevent tartar from forming by using tartar-control toothpastes, which feature ingredients called pyrophosphates. These work by clinging to your teeth above the gumline and absorbing the plaque that would otherwise collect on your teeth and harden. Tartar-control toothpastes don't remove existing tartar; that can only be done with a professional cleaning.

Antiginivitis:
The latest innovation in toothpaste is the addition of an antimicrobial agent called Triclosan that kills the bacteria that cling to teeth and cause gingivitis, a form of gum disease. So far, Triclosan is only found in Colgate Total, but other brands are likely to add it soon. The ingredient is also used as a bacteria-fighter in lots of other products, ranging from hand soaps and lotions to children's toys and kitchen utensils.

Sensitive teeth:
When gums recede, the root of the tooth, where nerve endings are found, can become exposed, causing increased sensitivity. Some toothpastes use an ingredient called potassium nitrate to seal off these nerve endings, making teeth less sensitive. Experts say you may need to use a desensitizing toothpaste for several weeks to start noticing a benefit. These toothpastes don't work if your sensitivity is due to problems such as cavities or grinding teeth.

Whiteners:
The effectiveness of whitening toothpastes is somewhat in question. These brands, which can cost significantly more than regular toothpastes, use a combination of abrasives and bleaching agents to lighten or remove some stains from tooth enamel. Dentists are generally wary of this combination and worry that these ingredients may be harmful to gums. Some manufacturers counter that dentists are trying to protect their own profits, which increasingly come from patients seeking professional bleaching. One thing is clear: No toothpaste can permanently whiten teeth.

Baking soda:
Although mildly abrasive, baking soda has no real dental health benefits. Some consumers like the taste or the frothy bubbles produced by some baking soda toothpastes, but again these aren't indicators of effectiveness. A note of caution: Baking soda doesn't hurt your teeth, but it may irritate your gums.

Other ingredients:
What else is in those tubes? The rest of the ingredients in toothpaste, say experts, make brushing more pleasurable. Manufacturers add flavoring to improve taste, binding agents to give pastes and gels their consistency, and coloring. It's all pretty safe stuff designed to keep you brushing—and smiling—on a regular basis.