Toothpaste is a complex formulation that contains both active and inactive ingredients. The active ingredients in toothpaste are those that are anti-caries, anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis, and anti-hypersensitivity. Some toothpastes, such as Colgate Total, contain an active ingredient that is effective for all of these conditions, while other toothpaste may contain more than one active ingredient. The following are some of the common ingredients found in toothpaste:
Active Ingredients:
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Fluoride: This is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust. Since its introduction into oral health products, it has reduced decay statistics by at least 25%. This ingredient coats the teeth in a protective layer against acids and sugars and helps to prevent demineralization of your teeth. It is added to public water sources to better help the public prevent decay.
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Abrasives: Abrasives are important ingredients because they help remove food debris and surface stains from teeth. Common abrasives include calcium carbonate, silicas, hydrated aluminum oxide, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and phosphate salts.
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Flavors: Toothpaste flavors typically come from sweetening agents, such as saccharin or sorbitol. Although these ingredients may taste sweet, toothpaste doesnt contain sugar, so it wont cause tooth decay.
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Humectants: Humectants are the ingredients that keep your toothpaste from drying out and becoming crumbly. Sorbitol is a flavoring agent and a humectant, so you may find it in many toothpaste products. It traps water in.
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Anti-calculus agents: Anti-calculus agents prevent the calcification and hardening of biofilm accumulations on the teeth. Common anti-calculus ingredients are pyrophosphates and zinc citrate.
Inactive Ingredients:
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Binding/Thickening agents: These help to bind together the ingredients, preventing the ingredients from separating and giving toothpaste a consistent texture. Common choices include natural plant gums, carrageenan, and xanthan gum.
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Solvents: Water is the most common solvent used in toothpaste. It dissolves the ingredients and allows them to be mixed. Alcohol is used in mouth rinses (mouthwashes) as a solvent and taste enhancer.
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Foaming agents: Most toothpastes and mouthwashes contain foaming agents which create foamy bubbles when brushing. Common foaming agents include sodium lauryl sulfate.
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Colorants: Most toothpastes and mouthwashes contain color-substances which give them an attractive appearance. The color-substances are classified by the Colour Index (CI), published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
It is important to note that most toothpaste ingredients are safe and won’t cause any problems. However, some people may be sensitive to certain ingredients...
