What Ingredients Can Be Found In Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is such a common part of our oral healthcare routine that we rarely think of what’s in it. Most of us know to check and be certain that we’re using toothpaste with fluoride. Beyond that, it’s rare for any of us to read the label too closely. It’s hard to counter the idea that we should know what we’re putting in and using on our bodies. Below we’re exploring some of the more common ingredients in toothpaste and what role they play.
What Ingredients Can Be Found In Toothpaste?
The majority of ingredients on most toothpaste can be hard to pronounce. Regardless, each of them has a role to play in the protection of our teeth. Some toothpaste brands will have additional ingredients that will help them whiten our teeth or make them gentler on sensitive teeth. Together, the ingredients in your toothpaste can:
- Prevent decay and development of plaque
- Eliminate particles of food from our teeth
- Enhance taste and texture of the toothpaste
- Help the toothpaste penetrate difficult areas
- Fight halitosis
- Fight dental staining
- Ease dental sensitivity
With the abundant types of toothpaste available at your local pharmacy, it’s no wonder it’s difficult to make a choice. Further, it can be difficult to understand the full impact of the ingredients in the toothpaste on your overall health.
The first point to know is that the ingredients in your toothpaste can penetrate your oral membranes. This includes your cheeks, gums, and other soft tissues in the mouth. These tissues are responsible for helping sense temperature, taste flavors, and keep your mouth properly moistened. They also have an important part in fighting toxins and bacteria.
Common Ingredients In Toothpaste And What They Do
The most well-known ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. This mineral occurs naturally throughout the world and has been found to be beneficial in battling tooth decay. So prominently so, in fact, that it is often included in city water, toothpaste, and mouthwash. On your toothpaste label, it may be called stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or monofluorophosphate. Other ingredients include:
- Triclosan – Included for its antibacterial properties and ability to help battle gum disease.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – Helps your toothpaste to foam and thus makes it easier to move around your mouth. It also has the ability to dissolve grease and dirt in the mouth.
- Abrasives – In order to remove plaque and tartar effectively, your toothpaste needs to be slightly abrasive. Calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, aluminum hydroxide, activated charcoal, and mica are just a few abrasives that may be found in your toothpaste.
If you want to educate yourself further about the ingredients in your toothpaste and the role they play in protecting your teeth, speak to your dentist. They’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the products you use and how the ingredients play a role in oral health. Remember, learning about the contents of your toothpaste is a way of empowering yourself and taking an active role in your dental care. Bring your favorite toothpaste to your next dental visit for more information.
