Squeaky-Clean Smiles: The Best Toothpaste to Use With Braces

With braces, your oral hygiene routine can be a little fancy, and choosing the right toothpaste can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy and radiant throughout treatment. However, toothpaste is usually forgotten on the “Am-I-using-the-right-thing?” checklist. Let’s ensure you have the best tools in your toothbrushing box!

(And don’t worry. Your toothpaste is probably fine for now, even if it doesn’t qualify as “the best.” Remember this blog the next time you’re restocking at the store!)

New Braces, New Me, New…Toothpaste?

Braces are the champions of holding onto food bits and plaque. Those brackets and wires can turn your teeth into food hoarders after dinner, making it easier for bacteria to build up, cause cavities, and eat away at your tooth enamel. And who has time for cavities when your smile is on the move??

About the Switch (and Whether It’s Actually Necessary)

So, does this mean you must toss your trusty toothpaste and dive into something labeled “Braces-Only”? Not really! There’s no magical toothpaste just for braces wearers. But that doesn’t mean that all toothpaste is created equally. Some brands and types have better dental benefits for braces than others. You just have to know what to look for!

The key is prioritizing specific benefits that boost oral health AND are tougher on plaque. Luckily, many toothpastes prioritize the right stuff, so you might not need to switch at all. But there’s still a good chance your everyday toothpaste needs a boost to fight your braces and their plaque-loving ways!

How to Spot the Best Toothpaste to Use With Braces and Aligners

Shopping for toothpaste might seem like a cut-and-dry thing, but with braces, there’s a little more to consider. It’s not about the brand on the box – it’s about what’s inside the tube. Here’s what to look for when picking out your toothbrush’s ultimate sidekick:

• Fluoride, fluoride, fluoride! Yes, we said it three times because it’s THAT important. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from demineralization, strengthens enamel, and fights cavities. With brackets and wires making your teeth more vulnerable to decay, this bit is non-negotiable.
• Plaque and tartar control. Bacteria are pesky plaque-machines that love hanging out around braces, and enough plaque buildup leads to tartar. Look for toothpaste that gets rid of plaque and prevents tartar from developing.
• Sensitivity protection. Braces can cause patients to notice a little extra zing when eating and drinking. Tooth sensitivity can occur throughout treatment, especially after adjustments. Some toothpastes have additives specifically targeting soreness and sensitivity.

You’re looking for a toothpaste that gets an “A” in cavity prevention, plaque control, and enamel protection. With rockstar toothpaste and diligent brushing, your gums and enamel should be safe on your smile journey.

ADA Approval is the Sign for “Awesome Toothpaste”

Have you ever noticed the little American Dental Association (ADA) seal on some toothpaste boxes? Here’s an ortho insider tip – it will point you toward a no-nonsense product that meets the ADA’s highest standards.

The ADA only awards its seal to toothpastes that prove their safety and effectiveness with solid scientific evidence. Every ADA-approved toothpaste contains fluoride (YAY!) and has been reviewed by the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs. This means you’re not just brushing with toothpaste; you’re brushing with confidence, knowing your choice has the thumbs-up from