We all know that brushing our teeth is essential to good oral health and dental care, but ever stop to think about what's in the toothpaste we use everyday?

We chatted with Dr. Shahkaram, a DDS specializing in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for over 10 years, and got her professional take on what ingredients we should be on the lookout for.

"Toothpaste is essential to properly clean and protect your teeth," Dr. Shahkarami said. " Toothpaste has different chemicals in it that work together to clean teeth. Some of these chemicals, however, are controversial."