Choosing a toothpaste can be tricky, especially because there are so many options.
From charcoal to fluoride and teeth whitening, Sydney dentist Lewis Ehrlich has offered a breakdown on what you’re actually paying for – and how natural alternatives can do more harm than good.
Appearing on Sunrise, Dr Ehrlich has busted the dental myths to help you find the best option to maintain a healthy smile.
From natural alternatives and charcoal to fluoride and teeth whitening, Sydney dentist Lewis Ehrlich (pictured) has offered a breakdown on what you’re actually paying for
Natural alternatives
When it comes to natural alternatives, Dr Ehrlich said the ‘attractive’ part about this option is you’re paying for no chemicals – but there are downfalls.
‘I like the fact that people are trying to go a little bit more natural but at the end of the day, Australians on average are consuming 40kg of sugar a year and so you don’t get the protection that you may need from a natural toothpaste,’ he said.
He said while the natural option has no ‘nasties or chemicals’ that are usually found in common toothpastes – it doesn’t offer any protection.
Teeth whitening
Advertised as a product that effectively removes stains to give you whiter teeth in days or weeks, teeth whitening pastes has become increasingly popular in recent years.
But what are you actually paying for?
‘For it to actually show up as a whitening toothpaste, ingredients don’t have to differ too much and so you may be spending a little bit more for not a lot of result,’ Dr Ehrlich said.
‘Overtime, it can actually create sensitivity in the teeth. So you’ve got to be careful.’
To get white teeth effectively, Dr Lewis said professional whitening ‘always works best’ but keeping your teeth clean and eating a natural diet helps too.
Dr Ehrlich said the most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride because it offers protection against sensitivity
Fluoride
Dr Ehrlich said the most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride because it offers protection against sensitivity.
‘You’ve got to be getting as much protection as you can – and we really should be brushing twice a day,’ he said.
Dr Ehrlich said an alarming research recently found only half the population are actually brushing their teeth twice a day.
Dr Ehrlich strongly encourages flossing because it gets the area your brush can’t and it reduces your risk of gum disease
Charcoal
It’s the trendy wonder ingredient that promises dazzling, white teeth.
And some of the world’s most glamorous stars with Hollywood smiles swear by charcoal toothpaste, claiming the gritty black stuff whitens teeth.
But does the toothpaste really work?
‘It has worked well, I’ve seen it work well with some patients but I’ve also seen it go the other way,’ Dr Ehrlich said.
‘I’ve actually seen a grey line develop in a few patients of mine and they ended up with grey teeth which defeats the whole purpose. So you’ve got to be a little careful with them.’
He advised seeking professional advice from your dentist before using them.
Flossing and brushing
He said one of the most common myths toothbrushes with harder bristles are better than soft.
‘It actually strips away the gums – and can create a bit of sensitivity in the teeth. So always use soft bristle toothbrushes,’ he said.
Dr Ehrlich said dentists recommend brushing in a gentle, circular motion – and not horizontal because it could damage your teeth.
And lastly, he strongly encourages flossing.
‘It gets the area where your brush can’t and it reduces your risk of systemic diseases that are linked to gum disease,’ he said.