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Compounds Found in Toothpaste

In one form or another, toothpaste has been used for thousands of years. Egyptians used chew sticks to apply a dental cream that consisted of oxen hoof ashes, eggshells, myrrh pumice and water. In 18th century England, teeth cleaning was done with an abrasive powder containing borax. Modern toothpaste is much more advanced, finely tuned to maximize teeth cleaning while minimizing damage. Each compound found in toothpaste serves an important function.

  1. Fluoride

    • Fluoride is probably the most recognized ingredient found in toothpaste. It remineralizes, or hardens, the teeth to protect against tooth decay. Of all the toothpaste ingredients, fluoride serves the most important role, and it is the reason why modern society has seen a dramatic decrease in cavities. The type of fluoride used has changed over time, according to the type of abrasive used. Today, sodium fluoride is most commonly used because of its compatibility with hydrated silica.

    Hydrated Silica

    • Hydrated silica is a transparent abrasive that is used in modern gel, striped and opaque toothpastes. This abrasive scours any bacterial residue off of the teeth, removes food stains and polishes the tooth surface.

    Lauryl Sulfates

    • A surfactant is a detergent used in toothpaste, usually in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate. Since these compounds can irritate the oral membranes, Allantion is sometimes used in addition to the lauryl sulfates to decrease irritation. Surfactants aid fluoride in the remineralization process. They help to clean the teeth by providing a foam that carries away debris and by penetrating and dissolving plaque. Surfactants also have major anti-bacterial properties.

    Sodium Bicarbonate

    • Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is added to toothpaste for its feel and taste. Combined with acids, sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide gas that adds to the foam already present. This compound also has mild abrasive qualities and may limit the acid-loving bacteria found in the mouth.

    Sodium Carbonate Peroxide

    • Modern "whitening" toothpastes contain sodium carbonate peroxide, which acts as a whitening agent. This compound breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, or washing soda, to bleach the teeth and kill germs.

    Triclosan

    • Triclosan is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent that is added to toothpaste. It kills the microbes that form plaque on the teeth.

    Sodium Saccharin

    • Sodium saccharin is a sweetener that is added to sweeten toothpaste. Since its sweetness is 500 times that of sugar, it is used in only tiny amounts. Along with this sweetener, strong essential mint oils are usually added to enhance toothpaste flavoring.

    Titanium Dioxide

    • Titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used to give white toothpastes their color. This compound makes a very white, opaque paste when it is mixed with oils or water.

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