Toothpaste is one of the most used items in our personal hygiene. Dental products, as we know them, have not been around until the last couple of centuries. Nowadays, the oral care market offers a wide variety of toothpaste to cover every need and more innovative formulas become available for the consumers.
But have you ever wondered about what’s in the toothpaste tube you use 2 or 3 times a day? You’ve probably heard that you should be careful with the ingredients in it, but what does that mean? What ingredients should you look for?
Keep reading to learn more about the ingredients in toothpaste and how to pick the one that is best for you.
What to look for in toothpaste
Toothpaste that offers effective dental care and can be safely used for daily use has to contain the following basic ingredients:
#1: Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to protect your teeth from decay. It was first added to toothpaste in Germany in the 1890s. However, it became a staple in 1914, when it became known for its tooth decay prevention qualities. It can be found in both natural and artificial forms and is a key ingredient in other dental products as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride helps decrease cavities by up to 40%.
The range of toothpastes available on the market contains different levels of fluoride. If you check the label on the back of your toothpaste tube, you will see that fluoride is measured in parts per million (ppm). Dental professionals consider a range between 1350 to 1500 ppm to be a very effective fluoride amount for adults. If you run the risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist may recommend toothpaste with higher ppm to protect your oral health more effectively. As for children, the dentists recommend:
- Children under the age of 3 can brush their teeth using a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride.
- Toddlers between the ages of 3 and 6 can brush their teeth using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1,000 ppm fluoride.
There are two types of fluoride you can find in toothpaste:
- Sodium fluoride, which is the most common type and prevents tooth decay
- Stannous fluoride, which prevents gum disease, tooth decay and reduces tooth sensitivity. It can stain the teeth, but scientists have been able to address this issue with different production techniques.
The ADA recommends using fluoride toothpaste in amounts depending on the age and the risk of tooth decay development.
#2: Mild Abrasives
Abrasives are ingredients that help remove plaque and stains from teeth. They come in both natural and synthetic forms and are usually added to toothpaste in small amounts. Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) is the metric used to determine the abrasiveness of toothpaste. Toothpaste with an RDA level lower than 250 is acceptable and effective to not cause damage to the enamel. Any higher RDA level can lead to enamel erosion, which can lead to teeth sensitivity, discomfort, and gum recession.
Some common abrasives in toothpaste are derived from chalk and silica.
Hydrated Silica is an odorless, tasteless white powder, which depending on the specific formula can also be used as a thickening agent, a mild abrasive for cleaning, or as a whitening agent in toothpaste. It is listed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS).
Calcium Carbonate is a mild abrasive derived from chalk. It can be safely used to remove plaque buildup in the surface of the teeth effectively.
#3: Humectants
Humectants are the additives that allow the toothpaste to come out smooth and consistent from the tube. Glycerol and Sorbitol are two of the most common ones because they keep the moisture in the toothpaste mixture. Without them, your toothpaste might have a grainy consistency, almost like wet sand, which would not be pleasant at all on the mouth.
#4: Detergents
Detergents are the ingredients used to produce foam when brushing your teeth. One of the most common detergents in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). However, it is not considered safe for your oral health. Some problems SLS can cause are tissue sloughing, canker sores, dry mouth, and bad breath. This ingredient essentially damages the cells in the inner cheek, causing intense pain and irritation. Since SLS doesn’t have any cleansing properties, SLS-free toothpastes are the safe choice and the recommendation of dental professionals.
#5: Flavorings
Flavors and coloring additives are the elements in a toothpaste that make it more appealing to look at and use day after day.
Toothpastes should not contain sugar because sugar speeds up cavity formation. Instead, sweeteners should be added because they have a nice taste and do not negatively affect the oral cavity. Indeed, certain sweeteners have the extra benefit of contributing to the protection of teeth and gums!
Some additives are sweeteners, but they also have a function in toothpaste. It’s possible that the sweetening effect isn’t even the most important function of that substance! Sodium saccharin, Sorbitol, and Xylitol are a few examples of commonly used sweeteners.
Conclusion
It is important to look for dental care products that contain safe-to-use ingredients, like Xylitol, and calcium. In addition, it is also important to find a toothpaste that does not contain harmful chemicals like SLS and Parabens. The Nordics oral care products meet all of these criteria and more. With our natural ingredients and lack of harmful chemicals, you can feel good about using our toothpastes for your family. Check out the Nordics oral care products here.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6804a3.htm#:~:text=Discussion,for%20dental%20caries%20(1)
