Ingredients in Toothpaste

We all know toothpastes are used to clean our teeth. Toothpastes improve oral health, and reduce the formation of dental plaque (bacteria that causes dental diseases). Regular cleaning with toothpaste ensures healthy and strong teeth. But have you ever wondered about the ingredients of toothpaste? Each ingredient in toothpaste has a specific function. Let's take a look.

Toothpaste ingredients are classified as, either active or inactive. Active ingredients are those, that strengthen and protect the teeth from bacteria. They work to improve your dental health. On the other hand, inactive ingredients do not clean your teeth. They are added to keep the texture, and improve the taste of the toothpaste.

Following are the ingredients of a modern toothpaste:

Active Ingredients

Fluoride: This is the most important ingredient of a toothpaste. This compound prevents tooth decay, and makes teeth stronger. Fluoride compounds restrict the growth of dental plaque. Today, most toothpaste brands contain sodium fluoride (NaF); however, some brands also use sodium monofluorophosphate to protect teeth from cavities.

Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (Anti-tartar agents): Dental tartar is formed due to deposition of magnesium and calcium on the teeth. Pyrophosphates stop formation of tartar by removing these elements from the saliva.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda): This is an abrasive, and provides a mild teeth whitening action. It neutralizes acidic saliva, thus maintaining an alkaline environment in the mouth, even hours after brushing. An alkaline environment is not favorable for and hampers the formation of dental plaque.

Triclosan or Xylitol (Antibacterial agents): Triclosan restricts the formation of dental plaque and has the ability to destroy bacteria. Sometimes, zinc citrate or zinc chloride is also used as an antibacterial agent, to control dental plaque. The combination of zinc chloride and triclosan is effective against bacteria and gum disease.

Desensitizing Agents (Potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, potassium citrate): Some people experience acute pain, while eating sweet or frozen desserts, such as ice cream. This happens due to tooth sensitivity problems. Toothpastes containing desensitizing agents help to relieve discomfort and pain that accompanies sensitive teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide (Whitening or abrasive agent): It performs the function of polishing and cleaning the teeth. It is used in toothpastes to remove stains on the surface of teeth.

Non-active Ingredients

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (Foaming agents): These ingredients promote the foaming action present in toothpastes. The foaming action ensures that the toothpaste does not spill out of the mouth, while brushing.

Alginate or Xanthan (Binding agents): Binding agents maintain the consistency of toothpaste. It binds all the ingredients of the toothpaste together. Hydrocolloids, such as alginate or xanthan, are often used as binding agents.

Sodium Benzoate or Ethylparaben (Preservatives): Preservatives play an important role in keeping the toothpaste free from micro-organisms. Sodium benzoate prevents the buildup of micro-organisms in the toothpaste, and is the reason why there is no need to keep toothpastes in refrigerators.

Humectant (Water, sorbitol or glycerine): This is also an essential ingredient of toothpaste, as it does not allow the toothpaste to dry up. Humectants hold or retain moisture, so that the paste does not become dry, when not in use. However, when exposed to air (when the toothpaste cap is kept open), its ability to hold moisture reduces drastically.

Flavor: Nowadays, a number of flavors are used, to impart a yummy taste to the toothpaste. People experience fresh breath due to these enhanced flavoring agents. Mint is the most popular flavor, that ensures you enjoy brushing your teeth.

Sodium Saccharine (Sweetening agent): This ingredient is added to the toothpaste to make it sweet. Toothpaste without a sweetening agent does not taste good. Hence, to make it fit for oral use, sodium saccharine is used.

Titanium Dioxide (Coloring agent): Coloring agents give a pleasing color to the toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is commonly used to give toothpaste its white color. Artificial dyes are added to make red, blue and green toothpastes.

Ingredients such as vitamins, herbs, mouthwash, etc., are often added in the formulation of toothpaste, to make it more effective in controlling bad breath and plaque formation.