While braces are commonly worn by many people as a means of straightening existing teeth, encouraging proper growth and alignment of forming teeth, and for general oral health, what most people might not know (unless they wear them) is that some toothpaste is better than others when it comes to getting in all of those hard to reach places, and ensuring all the bacteria and grime is eradicated.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best toothpaste for braces!
OUR TOP PICK
Considered one of the best types of toothpaste for people with braces (as well as those without), the Pronamel toothpaste by Sensodyne is recommended by dentists and is one of the best brands on the market.
The toothpaste helps to protect against acid erosion, something that is important in the protection of the enamel, the avoidance of cavities, and the prevention of further complications down the line (such as gum disease).
Our teeth naturally get eroded over time, due to the nature of how we eat, and the things we consume.
Even the healthiest of things such as fruit and vegetables contain naturally acidic substances, with some of the worst being citrus fruits.
However, with a good toothpaste that prevents acid erosion, you have a solid first line of defense against natural wear and tear.
Secondly, the Pronamel (as its name suggests) is specifically focused on hardening and strengthening the enamel, ensuring it stands strong and firm against anything you throw at it.
What’s more, the Pronamel aids effective cleaning, getting in all of the hard to reach areas that braces can create, and helps to freshen the breath to leave you feeling clean and refreshed after every brush.
Product Range
There are several variations of this toothpaste, each of them targeting a specific problem area:
- Pronamel Mineral Boost (peppermint) - improves mineral absorption.
- Pronamel Mineral Boost (Gentle Whitening).
- Intensive Enamel Repair (whitening).
- Intensive Enamel Repair (Extra Fresh).
- Intensive Enamel Repair (clean mint).
- Strong and Bright Enamel (Mint) - delivers fluoride to the teeth and gums.
- Strong and Bright Enamel (extra fresh).
- Gentle whitening - helps to gently whiten the teeth.
- Pronamel Fresh Breath - helps to maintain fresh breath by killing bacteria.
- Pronamel Daily Protection - effective cavity protection & strong enamel.
- Pronamel Multi-Action - strengthens enamel, promotes healthy teeth, and gently whitens.
- Pronamel Gum Repair - promotes good gum health, and helps stop recession.
Is It Worth It?
Sensodyne has a global reputation for being the best of the best, and even American dentists like Rudolph J. Linhuber (of the ADA) considers Sensodyne to not only be their favorite, but to be one of the best all round toothpastes on the market.
Of course, the key selling point of Sensodyne pronamel is that it ultimately helps your teeth to be free of sensitivity, or at least better protected against it.
Pros
- Strengthens enamel.
- Prevents sensitivity.
- Fresh breath.
- Best toothpaste for braces.
Cons
- Pricier than some brands.
EDITORS CHOICE
This toothpaste really does what it says on the tube - that is, it helps with overall gum health, and reduces the risks of gum disease, and related illnesses.
Specifically formulated to get rid of plaque from even the most hard to reach places, the Crest is all about providing you with the perfect foundations for good oral hygiene moving forward - no matter where you are at.
Great for preventing gingivitis and periodontal diseases, and thus helping to avoid any of the nasty side effects and consequences of long term bacterial exposure, the Crest toothpaste is a cheap and effective addition to your daily oral hygiene regimen, and provides you with a long lasting first line of defense.
As well as focusing on gum health, this toothpaste is also great at helping you to avoid cavities, by neutralizing acidity and killing off harmful bacteria that might be lurking on the teeth after meals.
Also, the cooling sensation provided by the toothpaste freshens your breath, and keeps you feeling clean and refreshed for hours after use.
Perfect for people with braces, due to the effectiveness of its antibacterial properties (and the fact it doesn’t contain tooth whitener) Crest is one of the best brands on the market, earning it a place on this list.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! This toothpaste offers more cleaning benefits than most other brands, combining them all into one specifically designed product that will cater to whatever bacterial problem you are facing.
Pros
- Prevents gum disease.
- Reduces sensitivity.
- Helps prevent cavities.
- Helps prevent bleeding gums.
- Promotes good oral health.
- Freshens the breath.
- Great for cleaning with braces.
Cons
- Might irritate the gums.
BEST VALUE
The most affordable of the three brands, the Cavity Protection toothpaste by Colgate targets three specific areas: strengthening teeth, preventing cavities, and freshening breath.
Due to its fluoride content, this toothpaste is great for killing all of the bacteria in existing cavities, and makes sure all the nooks and crannies of your teeth are cleaned and prepped for the day ahead.
As one of the flagship products of the brand, the Cavity Protection prides itself on eliminating bacteria and keeping you free from all of the horror stories your dentist warned you about.
One thing it aims to do is protect and strengthen your teeth, by reinforcing the enamel and giving you the best tools towards long lasting, resilient teeth.
Through strengthening the enamel, you are more protected against painful sensitivity, potential tooth loss, and the possibility of cavities, counteracting the damages of acid erosion and general wear and tear.
The mildly minty flavor is also designed to help you feel clean, refreshed, and free from foul breath, allowing you to start your day with confidence, resting assured that your oral hygiene needs are met and in good hands.
Approved by the American Dental Association, this product is great for those who wear braces, due to its effective cleaning abilities, its antibacterial qualities, its enamel strengthening properties, and the much needed after taste that will help put a smile back on your face.
Pros
- Anti-cavity.
- Fresh, minty taste.
- Active fluoride.
- Not overpowering.
- Thorough and effective cleaning potential.
- Affordable price.
- Great for braces.
Cons
- Less effective on plaque build-up.
Buyer’s Guide
Of course, when looking for the right toothpaste for you and your oral health, there are many things that should be taken into account.
Fluoride
Toothpaste with plenty of fluoride helps to keep the enamel of your teeth strong and protected against decay.
This is an important ingredient for all kinds of toothpaste, not just those with braces, and should be considered when checking different brands in the supermarket.
Whilst some regions have some fluoride in their water supply, it still doesn’t hurt to opt for a toothpaste that contains it as well, as it can be an important tool in the fight against cavities and bacteria.
Tartar Control
Whether you have braces or not, you should choose a brand of toothpaste that has tartar control.
Tartar refers to the plaque on your teeth when it has reached a hardened, built-up state.
At this point it can be difficult to remove and prevent, and will require a dentist to clean your teeth for you.
However, choosing a good tartar control toothpaste can be a good preventive measure in the long run.
The fighting of plaque is a great way to avoid tooth decay, serious oral problems, and even tooth decay.
It is also a handy tool in combating and avoiding bad breath, which can be a source of embarrassment for many people.
ADA Approved Products
If you are living in the United States, then you should only ever choose brands of toothpaste that have been approved by the ADA.
While it is unlikely that you would find non-approved toothpaste in somewhere like a pharmacy or supermarket, this may be the case in independent stores.
The American Dental Association does extensive research on the toothpaste they endorse, and choosing one with their seal of approval is a good indicator that you are heading in the right direction healthwise.
Things To Avoid
Of course, there are also types of toothpaste that are best avoided if you have braces.
Tooth Whitening Products
If you have braces then it is advisable not to use any toothpaste that has tooth whitening chemicals in it.
While not from any specific medical angle, this is because the braces will stop the tooth whitening components from reaching all of the teeth, leaving them looking unevenly whitened and messy.
The best way to keep your teeth looking their best while wearing braces is to visit your dentist every few weeks or so for a routine clean and checkup.
They have the right tools that can clean in and around the braces, and they can do a better job as a result.
Bad Oral Hygiene: Side Effects
Aside from the general decay of the enamel, the build-up of plaque and bacteria can have detrimental effects on your wider physical health in the worst case scenario.
Gingivitis
Also known as gum disease, gum inflammation, and periodontal disease, gingivitis symptoms can include bleeding gums, foul smelling breath, pain when chewing, swollen gums, receding gums, the loosening of teeth, and toothache.
Long term effects and complications of gingivitis however can be much more serious, and can include painful collections of pus within the gums, increased damage to the periodontal ligament, increased damage to and loss of the alveolar bone (containing the tooth sockets), receding gums, loose teeth, loss of teeth, swollen lymph nodes, and infections of the jaw bone.
Respiratory Infections
If you are suffering from gum disease, the build-up of harmful bacteria can travel around the body.
This is true of the lungs, and the way we breath offers a somewhat direct channel for bacteria to travel from our mouths.
One common yet quite serious infection is pneumonia, which is frequently linked with gum disease.
This is likely in people who have had prolonged gum disease and have spent years, if not decades, breathing in harmful bacteria from diseased gums.
Cardiovascular Diseases
As strange as it might sound, there have been a series of connections made between gum disease and heart disease.
While it might sound unlikely, if the bacteria from gum disease works its way into the bloodstream (entirely possible due to bleeding gums), then this bacteria can work its way to the heart, where it can cause greater complications over prolonged periods of time.
Establishing Good Cleaning Habits
As well as finding the right toothpaste, the best thing to do to ensure proper oral health (whether you wear braces or not) is to establish a proper cleaning regimen.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great, quick, and easy method of getting rid of stains, surface bacteria, and leftover grime after brushing.
Swill your mouth before you go to bed at night.
This will leave you feeling refreshed and clean when you wake up in the morning, and will help to protect your mouth from festering bacteria while you sleep.
Interdental Brush
These can be great tools for getting rid of grime, bacteria, and plaque between your teeth, and can reduce these harmful elements by up to 50%.
Widely recommended by dentists and health professionals alike, these small but effective brushes are perfect for attacking the hard to reach places you might usually neglect, and are a fantastic tool in protecting long term oral health.
WaterPik
These are relatively new teeth cleaning tools available on the consumer market, but are very similar to what dentists have been using on us for years.
These literally shoot small jets of water into your mouth, and can be great additions to any oral healthcare regimen - helping to get between all the hard to reach nooks and crannies and leaving you fresh as a daisy.
Flossing
Of course, flossing is the most highly recommended defense against bacteria and plaque, and dentists recommend you should do it after every single meal for the best results.
It might seem like a pain, and it is something that a lot of people unintentionally neglect, but it can be such an important and effective way to ensure your oral health is at its best.
This is something that should also be worked into your daily routine, and even if you don’t manage to do it as frequently as after every meal (as not everyone has the time), flossing after each time you brush can be a simple, easy way to make the most of your smile.
Our Picks
Now that you know a little more about oral health, and some of the simple things you could be doing to fight plaque and bacteria, it’s time to look at the brands of toothpaste that are scientifically proven (and customer recommended) to leave you breath fresh, your teeth clean, and you feeling a million dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is the sticky invisible film that builds up on the teeth and in between the gums.
It contains thousands of bacteria, and can lead to many of the problems people suffer with their teeth and gums - such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss.
What Is A Cavity?
A cavity is a hole that forms in the surface of a tooth, and is usually formed due to the enamel being eroded.
Cavities can be caused by sugary foods and drinks, by acidic fruits and vegetables, and by a lack of good oral hygiene.
Is Gingivitis Different To Periodontal Disease?
Gingivitis is essentially an inflammation of the gums due to bacteria.
When gingivitis goes untreated for long periods of time, it can progress into periodontal disease, which can open you up to all manner of bacterial infections and problems.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
Symptoms can include swollen gums, bleeding gums, sensitivity, tooth loosening, and even tooth loss.
If you think you have any of these symptoms, then being proactive is the best course.
Contact your dentist, who can then assess and potentially clean your teeth to help you avoid gum disease.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about the best toothpastes for people with braces, and the best ways to maintain good oral hygiene, and prevent gum disease and the associated side effects.
For more information on your oral health, or for a proper assessment, contact your dentist.
They will be more than happy to help with any concerns or questions you might have, and can even recommend some useful tips and tricks to help you feel and look fresh.
He has combined both of these skills to create his first company, Isopharm Limited, which became one of the top learning platforms within the dental industry.
With over 120,000 active users, he has been able to educate others in order to provide better dental care around the world.
With his expertise and work in the field, Andrew has been able to help many dental care professionals succeed in treating their patients.
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