You use it everyday; you assume it helps to clean your teeth and prevent decay; but, what is actually inside your toothpaste? Whereas our ancestors used crushed bones, ashes, eggshells and other such materials to clean their teeth, we have fortunately come a long way in toothpaste. However, many of them have scientific names that look like gibberish to most people.
Below are some of the common ingredients found in toothpaste today, and why they are important for our everyday dental health.
FLUORIDE
Fluoride is the key active ingredient to help in preventing cavities and tooth decay. Not only does it kill bacteria, but it also repairs teeth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to bacteria. Without fluoride, brushing teeth wouldn’t be too effective in fighting cavities.
MILD ABRASIVES
The purpose of these materials is to effectively remove food debris and plaque that forms on teeth, but not doing so in such a way that it damages enamel or gums. You may see these listed on your toothpaste as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate or phosphate salt.
BINDERS/THICKENERS
These materials (xanthum gums, seaweed colloids) keep the toothpaste bonded together so that it is stabilized in the tube and on your brush.
ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS
Triclosan and cetylpyridinum chloride reduce the growth of plaque on the teeth that cause decay and gingivitis.
DETERGENTS
Detergents makes your toothpaste foam once you begin brushing. They coat the teeth to protect them against food particles and other debris that like to stick to the surface of teeth.
WHITENERS/DESENSITIZERS
When you browse the toothpaste shelves at the store, you will likely find a lot of specialized varieties for whitening teeth (carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide) or reducing sensitivity (potassium nitrate, calcium carbonate complex). Toothpastes that claim to whiten are effective in removing existing stains, but will not do much for changing the underlying shade of teeth.
Courtesy of Delta Dental