Many things in life can be overcomplicated: ordering a latte, figuring out how to assemble that new bookshelf, or removing a children toy’s from its packaging. Fortunately, when it comes to how to prevent tooth decay, that one’s pretty straightforward. The best way to prevent cavities is also the EASIEST way to prevent cavities: brush with an anti-cavity toothpaste.
What Is Anti Cavity Toothpaste?
An anti-cavity toothpaste is one that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in plants, soil, sea water and more. It’s the 13th most abundant element on the Earth’s crust … and the #1 way to protect teeth enamel from decay and cavities.
In fact, no matter how rigorous your oral hygiene routine may be, dental experts tend to agree that if you’re not using a fluoride toothpaste, you’re not getting essential cavity protection. Brands that claim their fluoride-free toothpastes provide cavity protection are, simply put, being misleading.
A true anti-cavity toothpaste does just that: protects your smile (and wallet) from hearing the dreaded phrase: “You have a cavity!”
What Causes Tooth Decay Anyway?
Acid is what causes tooth decay and cavities because of how it impacts our enamel. Enamel, the thin outer protective layer of our teeth, needs to be strong and healthy to shield us from the corrosive effects of acid, which, in some food and drinks, can be as corrosive as battery acid. When acid erodes enamel, it allows decay to set in.
Acid forms when bacteria in plaque feast on glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which causes minerals like calcium and phosphorous to leech out of the teeth enamel, making this otherwise hard substance softer and weaker. That’s why we’ve heard all our lives that eating too much sugar will give us cavities.
Food and drink that are acidic by nature (think orange juice, lemonade and soda) can place our teeth under a direct acid attack. That’s why diet plays a huge role in enamel decay. The more acidic our oral microbiomes, the more prone we’ll be to cavities.
How Fluoride Toothpaste Stops Enamel Decay
So how does fluoride help counter those acid attacks? It’s all about remineralization. Acid causes enamel to lose minerals (demineralization), and this happens daily through our diets.
Fluoride not only helps prevent the loss of minerals when they’re under attack from acid but it also helps RESTORE minerals (remineralization), making the teeth stronger and more resistant to future acid attacks. Fluoride is so fantastic in strengthening teeth enamel that it can reverse early decay before it progresses to a full-on cavity.
Teeth Enamel in Trouble? It’s Not Just About Cavities.
Getting cavities isn’t the only way to determine the state of your enamel. If you notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold food/drinks, that’s a sign that you have weak enamel. This can occur not just from acid but from abrasive dental products, rough brushing, and a big one – teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). In addition to fighting cavities, a fluoride toothpaste can make you less susceptible to tooth sensitivity because of its remineralizing and desensitizing powers.
Best Remineralizing Toothpaste for Cavities
There are many fluoride toothpastes on the market, but it’s important to be choosy. You’ll want one that follows these healthy smile guidelines:
- Low abrasion: Abrasion measures the scrubbing power of a toothpaste. While we may think “more is better,” the opposite is true. If a toothpaste is too abrasive, it erodes the enamel as it removes surface stains. Remember – strong enamel is what we need to be protected from decay and sensitivity.
- Non-staining fluoride: Many commercial dental brands use stannous fluoride, which can cause yellow teeth stains. No one wants a healthier smile at the expense of yellow teeth. Instead, look for non-staining neutral sodium fluoride.
- No dyes: Dyes aren’t good for us as it is, and in toothpastes, they do us a disservice by staining our teeth, the opposite of what we want to accomplish with brushing.
Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste checks all the boxes! It’s low abrasion, non-staining with neutral sodium fluoride, and contains ZERO DYES to protect your bright smile even more. Best of all, it offers the ultimate cavity protection, help for sensitivity, and amazing fresh breath through natural mint essential oil, zinc, and our exclusive bad breath-neutralizer, Oxygene®. Pair it with Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Mouthwash for an unbeatable oral hygiene routine.
The Final Word: It’s never too late to start taking better care of your smile and getting better reports at the dentist. And the easiest way to do this – for yourself and your family – is to upgrade your toothpaste for the ultimate cavity protection.
