Toothpaste - An In-Depth Look at Its Ingredients and How They Work

Toothpaste is a complex product that contains a range of ingredients designed to clean and protect teeth and gums. In this blog, we'll take an in-depth look at some of the key ingredients found in toothpaste and how they work to maintain good oral health.

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Fluoride - Strengthening Tooth Enamel

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it can help to remineralize weakened areas and prevent the formation of cavities. It does this by forming a protective layer on the surface of the tooth enamel.

Most toothpaste brands contain fluoride, but the amount can vary. The recommended amount of fluoride in toothpaste is around 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm). If you have a higher risk of cavities, your dentist may recommend a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content.

Fluoride toothpaste | Toothpaste | Best toothpaste| Ingredients | Dr Abi Negi

The fluoride that is commonly used in toothpaste is sodium fluoride, which is a compound made up of sodium and fluoride ions.

In addition to sodium fluoride, other forms of fluoride, such as stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate, are also used in some toothpaste formulations.

Abrasives - Removing Plaque and Stains

Toothpaste also contains abrasives, which help to remove surface stains and plaque. Common abrasives found in toothpaste include silica, calcium carbonate, and baking soda. Abrasives work by scrubbing away surface stains and removing plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

It's important to choose a toothpaste with the right level of abrasiveness for your teeth. Toothpaste with a low abrasiveness level is best for people with sensitive teeth or thin enamel. Medium abrasives are suitable for most people, while high abrasives are best for removing tough stains. However, high abrasives can cause damage to tooth enamel if used too frequently.

Detergents - Foaming and Cleaning

Toothpaste also contains detergents, which help to create the foamy texture that we associate with toothpaste. Detergents work by breaking down the surface tension of the toothpaste, allowing it to spread easily across the teeth and gums. This makes it easier to remove plaque and stains.

The most common detergent found in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). However, some people are sensitive to SLS and may experience irritation or inflammation. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may want to choose a toothpaste that is SLS-free.

SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate) is effective in removing plaque and debris from the teeth, but it may also strip away natural oils and proteins that protect the oral microbiome. SLS-free toothpaste may be gentler on the teeth and gums while still providing effective cleaning.

SLS can sometimes leave a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth. SLS-free toothpaste may have a milder taste.

Better to choose SLS free toothpaste.

Few recommendations are

Mamaearth Natural SLS-free Toothpaste
Rustic Art Organic Toothpaste
Himalaya Herbals SLS-free Toothpaste
Vicco Vajradanti SLS-free Toothpaste
Meswak Complete Care Herbal Toothpaste

Humectants and Preservatives - Maintaining Texture and Freshness

Toothpaste also contains humectants, which help to maintain the texture and consistency of the toothpaste. Common humectants found in toothpaste include glycerin and sorbitol. These ingredients help to prevent the toothpaste from drying out and becoming hard.

Preservatives are also added to toothpaste to help keep it fresh and effective over time. Common preservatives found in toothpaste include sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Using preservative-free toothpaste gives a lot of benefits such as-

1. Reduced risk of allergic reactions,

2. Preservative-free toothpaste often contains natural ingredients that are less processed and may be considered more eco-friendly

3. Some preservatives may contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to human health, such as parabens, formaldehyde, or phthalates. Using preservative-free toothpaste may be a way to avoid exposure to these chemicals.

It's important to note that preservatives in toothpaste are generally considered safe when used in the recommended amounts, and they play an important role in ensuring that the product remains safe and effective. However, if you have concerns about preservatives in your toothpaste, then using preservative-free toothpaste may be a good option for you.

Few Preservative free toothpastes

Himalaya Herbals Complete Care Toothpaste
Vicco Vajradanti Ayurvedic Toothpaste
Meswak Complete Care Herbal Toothpaste

New or innovative ingredients that are currently being used in toothpaste:

Hydroxyapatite

This is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the majority of tooth enamel. Hydroxyapatite is added to some toothpaste products to help remineralize teeth and repair early-stage tooth decay.

Tri Calcium Phosphate

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a naturally occurring mineral that is sometimes added to toothpaste as an abrasive ingredient. It can help to remove surface stains and plaque from teeth. It is considered to be a gentler abrasive than some other commonly used toothpaste abrasives, such as silica, which can be more abrasive on tooth enamel.

Tricalcium phosphate has also been shown to have some remineralizing effects on teeth. It can help to replenish lost minerals in tooth enamel, which can help to strengthen and protect teeth from decay.

Overall, tricalcium phosphate is considered to be a safe and effective ingredient in toothpaste.

3m clinipro toothpaste | Toothpaste | Best toothpaste| Ingredients | Dr Abi Negi

Xylitol

This is a natural sweetener that is derived from plant sources. Xylitol has been shown to help reduce the amount of bacteria that cause tooth decay in the mouth, and it is sometimes added to toothpaste for this reason.

Enzymes

Some toothpaste brands are now including enzymes in their formulations. These enzymes can help break down food particles and plaque on teeth, providing a more thorough cleaning.

Charcoal

Charcoal is a trendy ingredient in toothpaste products, and it is said to help whiten teeth and freshen breath. However, there is limited scientific evidence and research to support these claims.

Probiotics

Some toothpaste products now include probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the oral microbiome and promote healthier teeth and gums.

Fluoride alternatives

In recent years, some toothpaste brands have introduced fluoride-free alternatives that use alternative ingredients, such as nano-hydroxyapatite, to help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

In conclusion, toothpaste is a complex product that contains a range of ingredients designed to clean and protect teeth and gums. Fluoride, abrasives, detergents, humectants, and preservatives all play a role in maintaining good oral health. It's important to choose a toothpaste with the right levels of fluoride and abrasiveness for your teeth, and to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Reference

1. 3m-clinpro-tooth-creme-anti-cavity-toothpaste-technical-product-profile.pdf

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)