Toothpaste

Once relied upon simply to clean teeth, toothpastes today are designed to whiten and brighten teeth, decrease sensitivity to hot and cold, fight cavities and gum disease and combat bad breath, among other ailments.

Toothpastes can be in paste, gel or powder forms and come in conventional, natural, herbal and organic varieties. Natural toothpastes use plant extracts and typically don’t contain sulfates, preservatives, detergents, fragrances, bleaches, fluoride and artificial colors and flavoring. To read more about how to choose a natural toothpaste click here

And although they don't foam as much as traditional toothpastes, they get your mouth just as clean, says whole-body dentist Dr. Mark A. Breiner.

Herbal toothpastes are made from herbal extracts, natural oils and fruits, while organic toothpastes are certified organic and typically are void of colorants, sodium lauryl sulfate, paraben and sugar. Most organic toothpastes are not tested on animals or made from animal by-products.

Because there are so many from which to choose, here are some tips for selecting the right toothpaste for you:

• Select toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on its container. This means adequate evidence of safety and efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials. (according to http://www.toothpasteworld.com/choosing.htm)

• For smokers and chronic coffee and tea drinkers who battle stained teeth, whitening toothpaste can be helpful.

• If plaque or tartar builds up quickly on your teeth, consider toothpastes with fluoride and antibacterial agents to limit plaque and tartar formation.

• People with sensitive teeth should look for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate. These toothpastes help block the teeth's pain receptors.