Toothpaste

          We have already recognised the importance of looking after our teeth which includes brushing them twice a day. Brushing along with flossing will not only remove food debris and plaque but will also protect your teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. But brushing your teeth is only effective if you use toothpaste. 

Toothpastes have improved nowadays. We have more choices of toothpastes with variety of functions, namely

Anti-cavity toothpaste

Extra-whitening toothpaste

Toothpaste with mouthwash

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Toothpaste for dogs

Toothpaste with stripes

Toothpaste works in a number of ways to achieve specific goals:

1. Food debris and plaque removal
2. Toothpaste freshens the breath 
3. Protection against plaque

          Of course the motion of actually brushing is crucial to this process too. If you just put toothpaste into your mouth and didn't rub it into your teeth, the effects would only be limited. The abrasives need to be rubbed onto the surfaces of your teeth and saliva is best stimulated by the motion of brushing.

          We all know that brushing our teeth with toothpaste is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Evidence has been found that even prehistoric man cleaned his teeth – using grasses as an early form of dental floss. But do we understand what is in our toothpastes, and why they work? Each make of toothpaste has a slightly different formulation, to appeal to different consumer needs. Each ingredient is there for a reason. They break down into either active or supporting ingredients. Active ingredients are there to clean your teeth, and the supporting ingredients help the active ingredients do their job. Here, we will only focus on the organic chemicals that can be found in toothpaste.

1. Triclosan

Triclosan, or 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (C12H7Cl3O2) is an active ingredient in the toothpaste and acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It reduces the risk of gingivitis and kills the microbes that form plaque on the teeth. In use since 1972, it is used in many other common household products such as deodorants, shaving creams, mouth washes, and cleaning supplies.

The biggest criticism of triclosan is that it may be carcinogenic because it is a chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans. This concern is based on studies that have shown that triclosan can combine with chlorine in our tap water to make chloroform gas. Because of this, many manufacturers are phasing out their use for this ingredient. 

2. Sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), chemical formula CH3(CH2)10CH2(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na is an organic compound used in many cleaning and hygiene products. It is mainly used in detergents for laundry and cleaning applications and is a highly effective surfactant that can be used in any task requiring the removal of oily stains and residues, and hence, it is applied in toothpaste. SLS is used as the detergent part of the toothpaste, which helps make the toothpaste lather in your mouth and carries away debris by penetrating and dissolving plaque.

However, the research studies on sodium lauryl sulfate found that it can cause canker sores due to its ability to dry out our mouth. It can also cause damage to the oral tissues lining inside our mouth. These tissues are said to be providing food for bacteria as they feed the bacteria that create Halitosis and taste disorder when they shed.

3. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol, also called propane-1,2-diol with chemical formula C3H8O2 is a small organic alcohol, chemical found in personal care products. It acts as a penetration enhancer which keeps products from melting in heat and/or freezing when it is cold. It acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste. It is also found in shampoo, conditioner, soap, acne treatment, moisturizer, deodorant, nail polish, mascara; basically anything you could possibly use on your body. Propylene glycol is also a component found in newer automotive antifreeze's and de-icers used at airports.

The oral toxicity of propylene glycol is very low and large quantities are required to cause perceptible health damage in humans. Because of its low chronic oral toxicity, propylene glycol is classified as "generally recognized as safe" for use as a direct food additive.

4. Diethanolamine, DEA or DEOA

DEA is a white solid at room temperature with the formula HN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂. It has a tendency to absorb water and to supercool. It is a weak base. Its functions are:

• To create a creamy texture and foaming action.
• Used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor.

5. Hydrated Silica

Hydrated Silica, chemical formula SiO2 · nH2O is the abrasive used to polish and scrub the surface of your teeth in gel toothpastes. An abundant compound found in nature, sand and obsidian (naturally occurring volcanic glass) are the most common forms of silica. When combined with calcium carbonate, it helps to safely remove plaque while brushing and polishes the tooth surface.

Hydrated silica has no discernible odor or taste and is listed as "generally recognized as safe" because it has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity.

6. Glycerin

Glycerin (C3H8O3) is a sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid that freezes to a gummy paste and has a very high boiling point. It can be dissolved into water or alcohol. It is used to balance and maintain moisture levels by preventing the product from drying out and helps to preserve the product. In toothpaste, it contributes to a good mouth-feel and improves flavor.

Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soap making process and is used in medical, pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant (can absorb water from the air). It is found in cough syrups, toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, shaving cream, hair care products and soaps.

7. Cellulose gum

Cellulose gum, or Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), molecular formula C8H15NaO8 is an ingredient found in a wide variety of products that we use throughout the day from our morning grooming to our evening meal. Cellulose gum is farmed from trees and cotton and is therefore readily renewable, abundant and cheap.

This plant-derived product is considered as generally safe for human consumption, with some minor cautions. Cellulose gum creates stability and suitable viscosity in toothpaste while making it more fresh and pleasant.

Additional information that you might want to know about toothpaste...

The stripes' color means a lot about the composition of the toothpaste and what are you putting in your mouth each day. Everyone should know what kind of toothpaste they are using.

• Green – All Natural
• Blue – Natural + Medicines 
• Red – Natural + Chemicals 
• Black – All Chemicals

Despite it being a wand of magic for our teeth, toothpaste could also be the one causing our health in such a jeopardy. Therefore, we as buyers should be careful of the type of toothpaste we obtain from the market as we use them daily in our life. It is important to read the label on the toothpaste container in order to find toothpaste and other mouthwash products that will not harm us.