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Q: What should I look for when buying toothpaste?
A: Toothpaste is one of the front-line defenses in caring for your
oral health and the beauty of your smile. Fluoride is the key ingredient
to look for when picking from the numerous options you'll see in
the toothpaste section. Fluoride remains the single most important
ingredient in preventing tooth decay among both youngsters and adults.
Another component to look for is a mild abrasive that will help scrub
away the plaque that decay-causing bacteria feed on. After those
two considerations you might look for a whitening agent. If your
gums have receded and brushing is somewhat uncomfortable, you might
check the label for a desensitizing agent that lessens the impact
of heat and cold on the exposed part of the tooth's root.
You can't go too far wrong in your selection if you see on the
packaging the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. This
seal means the product has been checked and double checked for both
safety and effectiveness. If you have any questions, ask your dentist
about the toothpaste he recommends and about what special considerations
might apply to your particular case.
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