What kind of toothpaste do you use?

[beckms]

I bought some spearmint Tom's of Maine toothpaste last week because it was on sale (and thus the same price as Crest, my usual). I can't decide if I like it. On the one hand, it has a nice crisp minty taste that's not sweet (no saccharine) and I really like that it's all natural. On the other hand, I quickly lose the minty taste shortly after brushing. It seems like the big name brands keep your mouth mintier longer.

So I don't know if I can justify the price again next time I need a tube.

What about you?

[wallycat]

I switch a lot...
I like the Colgate Total because it has triclosan (antibacterial) in it. My teeth can be sensitive, so I hve used the Colgate with higher flouride content for sensitivity or Orajel toothpaste.
I also like the new Listerine toothpaste.
Once a week or so I will do a baking soda/peroxide brushing. It gets my teeth incredibly white and makes my gums healthy :D
I've used eco-dent tooth powders, but it's harder to use this (for me) with the sonicare toothbrush.

DH will use anything I put in front of him..currently it's the Crest rejevenate something or other to brighten/whiten his teeth.

I have used the Tom's as well...in gingermint, but many of those don't contain flouride, which my dentist thinks is important.

[Shirley Panek]

I use Colgate Total (usually). I used to be a Crest girl, but when I was dating my husband he was a Colgate man. When I'd stay over (shh! don't tell Mom ;)), I'd use his toothpaste and thought it was a lot mintier, plus it isn't as sweet-tasting as Crest.

I've never tried Tom's, though I have seen it at the store before.

[beckms]

The Tom's I bought does contain fluoride, which I believe is the primary anti-cavity ingredient because it builds up your enamel. I would imagine that antibacterials simply kill the resident microorganisms that produce lactic acid that eats away at your teeth. Be careful with antibacterials, though; the more we use them, the more resistant the bacteria get. If we're not more careful, soon our antibiotics (such as penicillin and the like) will be totally useless against infections. I could go on and on about the dangers of antibacterials...but I'll spare you! :D

Wallycat, what baking-soda/peroxide misture do you use? A homemade conconction? Doesn't it taste terrible?

[Hoodone]

I love Tom's of Maine and have been using it for years. My dentist says it is fine. I get mine at Target and it does not cost that much, really. Sometimes it goes on sale, then I buy several tubes. I don't usually like peppermint, but enjoy the Tom's variety as a change from spearmint.

[wallycat]

Beckms,
I hear you about the dangers of antibiotic resistant bugs...
the amount they have in the toothpaste is minimal--they claim that the Total gives 12 hour protection, even after you eat something, so thought I'd try it.
I also use it to brush my tongue :D :p

THe peroxide/baking soda mix is my own concoction...
I use a small dixie cup for convenience and add the soda in there...enough to cover all my teeth. I add enough peroxide to make a gritty paste, and then I add about as much water as I did the peroxide to dilute the mess...it should be a pste like thing. Then I just dunk my toothbrush in there and use it.
It's certainly not minty fresh (though you could add a drop of peppermint oil I guess) but not too nasty tasting. Maybe I"m just used to it now :)

[seannasad2k]

I use Crest Sensitivity (I think that is what it is called. It is the one for sensitive teeth.)

My teeth are very sensitive and this is the only toothpaste I can use. I haven't tried Sensodyne; it costs about a dollar or two more than everything else!

I did try the Colgate for Sensitive teeth and the Tom's of Maine for Sensitive teeth. After a day of brushing with each of those my teeth were very sensitive. I woke up dreading brushing my teeth and had to run out and get my Crest for that evening. I thought the Tom's would be good because it is all natural. I figured it would be easier on my teeth than anything else. It was the worst! Brushing was very uncomfortable.:eek:

I think I may have to try that baking soda/peroxide concoction. I've been toying with the idea of whitening products, but can't bring myself to do it. Too afraid of ending up with my teeth hurting everytime I brush.

[RobinC]

I use Tom's of Main peppermint toothpaste. My darling BF used to call it "peppermint from he!!" toothpaste. My response was, "This from the man who eats altoids regularly??!!"

I've recently started using a floss with floride that has a strong minty flavor and cinnamon ACT floride rinse. My mouth stays nice and minty fresh for a long time. :D

[wallycat]

Any peroxide is a bleach and will make teeth sensitive.
If you have ultra sensitive teeth, I'd do a small quadrant and see how you respond.
You may also want to try just diluting peroxide and rinsing your mouth ...the baking soda may be too harsh.

Just a word of caution about that because you sound like you already have very sensitive teeth.

[funnybone]

I've been using Crest Whitening with Scope for about a year now. I used to use Close-Up (he red one) but got tired of the taste. For some reason, I have never liked the taste of Colgate - gel or paste. I think you just have to find one that you like. As long as you brush, I'm sure they are all effective.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by seannasad2k
I use Crest Sensitivity (I think that is what it is called. It is the one for sensitive teeth.)

My teeth are very sensitive and this is the only toothpaste I can use. I haven't tried Sensodyne; it costs about a dollar or two more than everything else!

I've been a Crest girl forever, and I always will be - Tartar Protection, to be exact.

When I started bleaching, the dentist suggested using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The only one I knew about was Sensodyne, so that's what I bought. It was so hard to use - the taste wasn't bad, but it smelled like rotten fish or something. I couldn't stand it. I talked to my hygenist about it, and she said Crest came out with a toothpaste for sensitivity - I should try that.

I use the Tartar Protection Crest for regular brushing, but right before and right after, I use Crest Sensitivity. There's no need to have both, so I'll just use the sensitivity toothpaste from here on out (once the tartar protection tube is gone).

[knunes]

....when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!

That's what I use most regularly, because it answers a nostalgic urge and to me, tastes great. To me, it has a flavor that no others do.

[Little Bit]

I've been using Mentadent lately, I like it. It has baking soda and peroxide in the mix, so that seems helpful.

When I feel the need to use a mouthwash, I use Peroxyl. Both are nicely minty.

I used to use Colgate, and did so for a long time, only switching away to Ultra Bright, Gleem or Pepsodent for a bit of nostalgia.

I don't like Crest, though, it seems too gooey/gloppy to me, and I prefer the flavor of Colgate.

[Canice]

Been hooked on Tom's of Main peppermint for years (not big on spearmint in general). I never really thought about price; I like the product and I like supporting smaller operations, so it's a good choice for me. I don't know how much money I spend on toothpaste every year, but I doubt it's so much that price would be a big factor.
I'm sure you'll be fine with whatever choice you make - I've heard a lot of dentists say that it's the amount of time and the manner in which you brush your teeth that will make the biggest difference anyhow.
Now...who remembers Ultra-Brite..."gives your mouth sex appeal!" :rolleyes:

[Molli526]

I am now hooked on the Aquafresh Extreme Care. My whole mouth feels so clean after. I was able to get a tube free after rebate and have not used anything but since. Love it!

[hlao23]

Tom's of Maine peppermint. I distinctly remember the first time I used it. My DH was laughing at me b/c I was making such a horrible face...the taste is certainly different when you're used to toothpastes with sugar. If I use anything else now though, my teeth just dont feel clean.

I'm curious as to how much people pay. Grocery stores here don't carry it. I have to go the the co-op and pay a little over $5 a tube.

[little_bopeep]

Oh, thanks a lot, y'all--because of this thread, I dreamed about toothpaste last night!!! :D :D :D <showing my teeth there>

Tartar control Crest gel, btw..

[AndreaU]

Mentadent for us... but it's hard to take on a vacation- they don't make travel size tubes. So we end up with Colgate Total or Crest Fresh Stripe or whatever's in the travel-size bin at WalMart!

[wallycat]

hlao23, our buying club can get it for around $2.something when it's on sale. I've even seen it sell for $1.75, but not often.

AnrdreaU, I just saw a coupon for mentadent in the sunday paper and it was for a tube or the funky canister thing they have..so maybe you can buy the tube for traveling :)

[beckms]

Originally posted by hlao23
Tom's of Maine peppermint. I distinctly remember the first time I used it. My DH was laughing at me b/c I was making such a horrible face...the taste is certainly different when you're used to toothpastes with sugar. If I use anything else now though, my teeth just dont feel clean.

I'm curious as to how much people pay. Grocery stores here don't carry it. I have to go the the co-op and pay a little over $5 a tube.

I bought mine on sale for $2.99. It's usually about a dollar more.

[Canice]

Not sure, but I think I pay $3.25-3.45 for a 4-oz. tube. Maybe less at TJ's but, again, I've never noticed (except at stores like Safeway where it's a lot more).

[fci5767]

Originally posted by Molli526
I am now hooked on the Aquafresh Extreme Care. My whole mouth feels so clean after. I was able to get a tube free after rebate and have not used anything but since. Love it!

Thanks for recommending this toothpaste. I bought some yesterday and I absolutely love it. I never would have even looked at it in the store since I don't usually buy Aquafresh.

Beth

[shoefling]

I use Crest Rejuvinating Effects and I like it fine.

[gabbyh]

I just found "Weleda" brand which is made in Germany...right now I'm using "salt toothpaste" but they have other flavors, which I will be trying soon...this one is "with baking soda and fluoride free"...we sell it in our Vitamin/Supplement Store at work...but I'm sure most Health Food Shoppes have it...it's really good...and seems to not bother my sensitive teeth and gums...

~Gail H.

[gertdog]

I like Tom's Cinnamint (with fluoride). DH uses Arm & Hammer Dental Care gel.