Toothpaste A to Z: Second in a Four-Part Series

In our first installment of “Toothpaste A to Z,” we briefly covered the history of toothpaste from the time of its invention up until the 1950s, when fluoride was added. In Part II, we’ll detail the many ingredients in modern toothpastes and their purpose.

Modern toothpastes contain many active ingredients designed to offer protection against various dental conditions. The most common of these ingredients include:

Fluoride

Fluoride is the most popular active ingredient because of its proven ability to prevent cavities. Most toothpaste brands use sodium fluoride (NaF). Some brands use sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F). Concentrations of fluoride vary from about 1,000 to 1,450 ppm.

Antimicrobial Agents 

Antimicrobial agents such as triclosan, zinc chloride and zinc citrate are added to slow the growth of damaging bacteria in the mouth or kill it altogether, which prevents the buildup of dental plaque and staves off gum disease.

Surfactants

Surfactants are detergents and other foaming agents that help carry away debris from between teeth. Common toothpaste surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Anti-tartar Agents

Pyrophosphates such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate are water softeners that remove calcium and magnesium from the saliva, which prevents buildup of tartar (calcified plaque).

De-sensitising Agents 

Additives like strontium chloride block the tiny crevices that enable cold and heat sensations to reach the tooth's nerve. Agents such as potassium citrate and potassium nitrate actually chemically disable the mechanism of pain transmission between nerve cells. 

Abrasives

Abrasives help to whiten teeth. Some common types include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). 

Other Teeth Whiteners

Some teeth whiteners such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate peroxide work chemically to bring teeth back to their original color.

Then, of course, there are various flavor additives as well as toothpastes fortified with a variety of goodies, from vitamins to enzymes, that don’t do a lot to improve oral health, but do move product. No matter what type of toothpaste you prefer, however, the most important “ingredient” in a complete program of oral hygiene is using it at least three times a day.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.