Toothpaste is a dental care product that is used to remove plaque from teeth and related areas, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Toothpaste contains a variety of ingredients, including:
Active ingredients:
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Fluoride: Toothpaste is the main vehicle for fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
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Chlorhexidine: This ingredient is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but has the most effect against Gram-positive bacteria.
Other ingredients:
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Color-substances: Most toothpastes contain color-substances that give them an attractive appearance. These substances are classified by the Colour Index (CI) or by a system called the FD&C Colours. Titanium dioxide is often added to toothpastes to give them a white color.
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Preservatives: These prevent the growth of micro-organisms in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Mostly, they include sodium benzoate, methylparaben, and ethylparaben.
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Pharmaceutical agents: Toothpastes are the main vehicle for fluoride. The combined therapeutic and cosmetic mouthwashes usually also contain fluoride, but in a non-therapeutic dose.
Some toothpastes contain natural ingredients, while others contain chemical ingredients. Herbal toothpaste is very secure to use, while toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate has been found to be harmful. However, the color of the toothpaste tube does not indicate the ingredients of the toothpaste. Claims that a colored bar on the bottom of toothpaste tubes indicates the ingredients of the toothpaste are completely false.
The FDA regulates the labeling of cosmetics, including toothpaste. Toothpaste marketed in the United States must be in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the regulations published under the authority of these laws. The regulations related to cosmetics are stated at 21 CFR, parts 700 to 740 (21 CFR 700 to 740) .
