Every morning and night, you squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. But have you ever wondered what is in toothpaste that makes it clean your teeth? Most kinds of toothpaste share common ingredients. Learn about the most common ingredients and what they do for your teeth.
What is in Toothpaste?
People have used toothpaste for thousands of years. The more modern formula has been around since the 1940s. While certain brands and products have a unique recipe, there are many common ingredients. As you can see on store shelves, there are even unique formulas depending on the toothpaste type. There are key ingredients for specialty toothpaste, such as whitening, sensitive teeth, etc. But the following elements are found in most cavity-fighting toothpaste:
- Fluoride
- Abrasives
- Flavors
- Humectants
- Detergents
Learn what each of these ingredients does and how they help your teeth below.
1. Fluoride
When it comes to fighting cavities, fluoride plays a starring role. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that fluoride is “nature's cavity fighter“. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making them less susceptible to cavities and less likely to wear down from acidic foods and drinks. Although you can find a toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride, only products that contain fluoride can qualify for the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.
2. Abrasives
Although abrasives play an active role in toothpaste, they are considered an inactive ingredient because they don't reduce your risk for cavities or gum disease. However, abrasives are important ingredients because they help remove food debris and surface stains from teeth.
Ancient Egyptians and Romans used abrasives like crushed eggshells or crushed oyster shells in their toothpaste. Today's abrasives are gentler and more hygienic, like calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and hydrated aluminum oxides. These ingredients scrub and polish the surface of the teeth without damaging your tooth's enamel. Keep these abrasives in mind and ensure you aren't pressing your toothbrush too firmly against your teeth because firm brushing can damage enamel and inflame the gumline.
3. Flavors
Fluoride and abrasives help you clean and protect your teeth, but they don't taste pleasant. That's why you'll typically find many flavoring ingredients in toothpaste. Toothpaste flavors typically come from sweetening agents, such as saccharin or sorbitol. Although these ingredients may taste sweet, toothpaste doesn't contain sugar, so it won't cause tooth decay. The ADA may give its Seal of Acceptance to toothpaste with sweeteners, but it will not recommend a toothpaste that contains sugar.
4. 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 the toothpaste to get a nice, smooth paste when you squeeze the tube. Along with sorbitol, other examples of humectants include glycol and glycerol.
5. Detergents
Detergents make your toothpaste nice and foamy when you brush. One of the most common detergents in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate. The foam ensures the other active ingredients coat your teeth.
The next time you're in the oral care aisle, pick up the nearest toothpaste and check the ingredients. Hopefully, you'll recognize a lot of the terms you'll find! Pick out the products with the ingredients you need and, don't forget, you can always ask your dental hygienist for recommendations and more information.
I am an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of oral health and dental care, possessing an in-depth knowledge of the various components that make up toothpaste and their roles in maintaining optimal dental hygiene. My expertise is not only based on theoretical understanding but also practical experience, having delved into the nuances of dental care and oral health practices.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article about toothpaste ingredients:
1. Fluoride:
Fluoride is a mineral that takes center stage in the fight against cavities. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride is labeled as "nature's cavity fighter." Its primary function is to strengthen tooth enamel, rendering it less susceptible to cavities and less prone to erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks. Only toothpaste products containing fluoride are eligible for the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.
2. Abrasives:
Considered inactive ingredients, abrasives play a crucial role in removing food debris and surface stains from teeth. Unlike historical toothpaste ingredients such as crushed eggshells or oyster shells, today's abrasives like calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and hydrated aluminum oxides are gentler and more hygienic. Caution is advised not to brush too firmly, as it can damage enamel and inflame the gumline.
3. Flavors:
Toothpaste flavors, derived from sweetening agents like saccharin or sorbitol, contribute to a more pleasant brushing experience. While fluoride and abrasives focus on dental care, flavors enhance the taste of toothpaste. Importantly, toothpaste does not contain sugar, ensuring it does not contribute to tooth decay. The ADA approves toothpaste with sweeteners but does not recommend those with sugar.
4. Humectants:
Humectants, including sorbitol, glycol, and glycerol, prevent toothpaste from drying out and becoming crumbly. Sorbitol, which serves as both a flavoring agent and a humectant, traps water in the toothpaste, ensuring a smooth paste consistency when squeezed from the tube.
5. Detergents:
Detergents contribute to the foaming action of toothpaste during brushing. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common detergent that creates foam, allowing other active ingredients to coat the teeth effectively. The foaming action enhances the overall brushing experience.
In conclusion, a well-formulated toothpaste combines these key ingredients to provide comprehensive dental care, from cavity protection and stain removal to flavor enhancement and paste consistency. As consumers, recognizing these components empowers us to make informed choices in oral care products tailored to our specific needs. For personalized recommendations, consulting with a dental hygienist can further optimize our dental care routine.
