Is it Oral B? Aquafresh? Colgate? No idea right. It’s just a green one with the new flexible head which cleans your teeth better. So what toothpaste do you use? You probably know the brand, but what’s the product name? Crest with Whitening? Hmm – still a bit more to chose from – want Vanilla? Cinnamon? Citrus? There’s about 20 different Crest toothpastes to choose from.
This is product segmentation gone wild. With toothbrushes, they’re all so similar we can’t tell. With toothpaste, I buy Crest in a blue tube. Except they’re all blue now and there are lots to choose from even within the same product family, many of which probably taste foul. Not sure my preference can be salami-sliced this thinly. Buying toothpaste is supposed to be a low engagement purchase. Now the consumer has to read each packet to make sure they’re getting what they had last time – the one which tasted ok and stopped their teeth falling out.
Which all goes to prove that you can spend too much on marketing, branding and product differentiation. Sometimes the consumer just wants predictability. Don’t mess with my toothpaste – whatever it was called.
Pick the Right Toothbrush
Did you know that using the right toothbrush can actually keep your teeth clean and white? Try a soft-bristled powered toothbrush to polish teeth. Powered toothbrushes cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. In addition, the ADA recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth so that you can reach all of your teeth with ease. Colgate’s new Optic White powered toothbrush can help whiten teeth in just one week. Its soft “whitening cups” hold toothpaste to clean teeth more effectively, while polishing bristles buff away surface stains.
Brush the Best Way
With your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, gently brush your teeth using short, back-and-forth strokes. Concentrate on areas that have surface stains, but be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside. Cleaning the inside of your front teeth might be tricky. Tilt your toothbrush vertically and use a few up-and-down strokes to brush those surfaces. In addition, be sure to brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria that may be lingering there. Don’t forget to floss after brushing.
Replace Your Toothbrush
The ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner. A worn-down and frayed toothbrush can’t clean your teeth as well. It won’t lift stains or polish your teeth properly. When you’re looking to obtain your whitest smile, throw out your toothbrush as soon as the bristles become frayed, even if it’s before three months.
Use a Whitening Toothpaste
For the best results, use a teeth whitener with light or you should use a whitening toothpaste in conjunction with these techniques. A whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep them at bay. Check out Colgate’s new Optic White toothpaste, which can whiten teeth three shades. You’ll start seeing results in just one week.
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