Toothpaste is a product used for oral hygiene that contains both active and inactive ingredients. The active ingredients in toothpaste are those that provide therapeutic benefits, while the inactive ingredients are used to give the toothpaste its texture, flavor, and appearance. Some of the most common active ingredients in toothpaste include:
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Fluoride: This is the most popular and effective active ingredient in toothpaste to prevent cavities. Fluoride is present in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources. The additional fluoride in toothpaste has beneficial effects on the formation of dental enamel and bones.
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Antimicrobial agents: Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent used in toothpaste, but it is more commonly added in mouthwash products. Sodium laureth sulfate is a common toothpaste ingredient that also possesses some antimicrobial activities.
Some toothpaste brands may contain harmful ingredients that should be avoided. For example, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which is discolored spots on teeth, and can also cause serious adverse health effects including neurological and endocrine dysfunction. Other ingredients to avoid include diethanolamine (DEA), which has been linked to cancer in animals, and parabens, which are used to preserve the shelf life of a range of cosmetics, including toothpaste.
Inactive ingredients in toothpaste include:
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Abrasives: These are used to help remove plaque and surface stains from teeth. Common abrasives include dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, bentonite, silica, and calcium carbonate.
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Humectants: These are ingredients that keep the toothpaste moist and prevent the solid and liquid ingredients from separating. Common humectants include glycerol, sorbitol, pentatol, and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.
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Foaming agents: These are used to create the foaming action of toothpaste. Common foaming agents include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearyl fumarate, and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.
Toothpaste ingredients can vary depending on the brand and type of toothpaste. For example, Sensodyne toothpastes contain either potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride as active ingredients to relieve tooth sensitivity with twice daily brushing, and all Sensodyne products contain either sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride to help fight against cavities with twice daily brushing.
