Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to a variety of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends choosing a toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities, has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and suits your specific needs:
“Some products aim to whiten teeth, while others help relieve tooth sensitivity. There are toothpastes made especially for people with gum disease or other medical conditions. Your dentist can recommend the right toothpaste for your oral health needs.”
When looking to specifically target plaque and tartar, the dental professionals suggest using a toothpaste containing pyrophosphates, a compound that helps prevent calcification of plaque into tartar.
Tartar removal toothpaste Reviews
Below are 10 top-rated toothpastes containing pyrophosphates and other plaque-fighting ingredients to remove built-up plaque and tartar.
1. Crest Pro-Health Advanced Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains stannous fluoride for anticavity protection
– Includes polyphosphate for tartar control
– Has a smooth, non-scratchy texture
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2. Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Key features:
– Has triclosan to combat plaque germs
– Includes sodium fluoride for cavity prevention
– Contains micro-polishers for stain removal
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3. Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains baking soda for stain removal
– Includes peroxide for whitening
– Has fluoride for cavity protection
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4. Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains stannous fluoride
– Includes sodium fluoride
– Has low abrasion silica for whitening
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5. Crest 3D White Radiant Mint Toothpaste
Key features:
– Has sodium hexametaphosphate
– Includes stannous fluoride
– Contains silica for polishing
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6. Hello Antiplaque + Whitening Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains hydrogen peroxide
– Has no artificial flavors/sweeteners
– Uses xylitol as a sweetener
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7. Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
Key features:
– Includes hydrated silica for plaque removal
– Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-free formula
– Has naturally-sourced calcium and silica
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8. Jason Healthy Mouth Anti-Cavity & Tartar Control Toothpaste
Key features:
– Has tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract
– Contains calcium carbonate crystals
– Includes aloe vera for gum protection
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9. Supersmile Professional Whitening Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains tetrasodium pyrophosphate
– Includes calcium peroxide for whitening
– Has a low-abrasion formula
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10. Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
Key features:
– Contains sorbitol, sodium phosphate
– Includes fluoride for cavity prevention
– Has a unique thick gel texture
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right toothpaste requires balancing factors like plaque and tartar removal, cavity prevention, whitening, gum health, and taste preferences. Consulting your dentist can ensure you find the best toothpaste for your specific oral care needs. Using a toothpaste with plaque-fighting ingredients will keep your smile brighter, teeth cleaner, and gums healthier.
FAQs
When selecting toothpaste, it’s not about the flashy packaging, but the ingredients inside that matter. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), certain ingredients can help with tooth sensitivity, reducing gum inflammation, preventing tartar buildup, enamel protection, teeth whitening, and freshening breath. Focus on these according to your needs, in addition to having the ADA seal of approval for your own peace of mind.
Fluoride is a crucial ingredient in conventional toothpaste. It strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay by protecting enamel from acid attacks caused by food and drinks. Fluoride in toothpaste and tap water together helps enamel remineralize, making teeth more resistant to cavities and decay.
SLS creates the foaming action in toothpaste. While it can aid in thorough cleaning, the effectiveness of your toothbrush’s bristles plays a more significant role in plaque and calculus removal.
Hydrogen peroxide in toothpaste helps remove both surface and intrinsic stains from teeth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile.
Xylitol, a sweetener, not only enhances toothpaste flavor but also helps eliminate harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
Toothpaste might contain abrasives like calcium carbonate, which aid in removing surface stains and disrupting bacterial colonies. Toothpaste with a relative dentin abrasion of 250 or lower is safe for daily use.
While mint is common, toothpaste comes in various flavors like cinnamon or tea tree oil. Try different flavors to find one you enjoy, as taste preference varies.
For specialized needs like sensitive teeth, choose toothpaste formulated for that purpose. Brands like Sensodyne, with ingredients like potassium nitrate, can help soothe sensitive teeth.
Toothpaste usually has a two-year expiration date. Expired toothpaste may harden and become less effective, so it’s best to use it before it expires.
For children, a smear the size of a grain of rice is recommended until age three. From three years to adulthood, a pea-sized amount is sufficient. It’s not about quantity but allowing the toothpaste to stay on after brushing for the active ingredients to work effectively. Avoid rinsing right after brushing to maximize the benefits of toothpaste.
