What is toothpaste made of

The way soap breaks down grease is an example of surfactant action. You may have noticed it in other beauty products that foam, such as shampoo. This ingredient can be derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. While there have been internet rumors that sodium lauryl sulfate is dangerous, these claims are unsubstantiated by scientific research.

This detergent has actually been used safely in toothpaste for more than 50 years. One credible concern, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association , is increased oral irritation in people prone to canker sores.

These individuals should be aware that it is possible to buy toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate. First introduced into toothpaste formulas in , fluoride is arguably the most valuable component in toothpaste.

But it was not until the 's that formulations were developed in which the fluoride was available to react with tooth enamel. Marketing of the first effective fluoride toothpaste Crest began in February and was accepted by the American Dental Association in Fluoride serves an extremely important function: to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is actually incorporated into the enamel structure. If the enamel surface of a tooth is exposed to acid either ingested or produced by oral bacteria, the affected surface can absorb fluoride if present, thereby helping to reverse the process.

Tooth enamel strengthened with fluoride is also more resistant to acid attack in the first place. All toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride and have been shown to be effective in preventing dental decay. Fluoride Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, promotes remineralization of enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, and helps prevents tooth decay!

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Check out our blog post to learn whether a cavity can form overnight. We also suggest oral care tips for reversing early-stage tooth decay. Confirm that your mouth is cavity-free by scheduling a checkup at one of our locations. But the following elements are found in most cavity-fighting toothpaste:. When it comes to fighting cavities, fluoride plays a starring role. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Stannous fluoride , when formulated properly, is the only form of the three that goes beyond cavity protection to help fight gum disease, ease sensitivity, and protect against the effects of acid erosion. Crest first formulated a stannous fluoride toothpaste in and continues to deliver its many beneficial properties through a variety of flavors, specific needs, and more.

The ingredient helps toothpaste retain its smooth shape while also sweetening up the flavor. This toothpaste ingredient helps keep your toothpaste from drying out while making sure its texture stays consistently smooth.

The most commonly used abrasive is calcium carbonate.