What Is Toothpaste Made Of?
We all know that brushing our teeth at least two times a day is instrumental to our oral health. But do we know exactly what’s in the toothpaste we’re using?
We’ve listed out the most common toothpaste ingredients to better understand which tube of toothpaste to use, how effective certain toothpastes are, and what to look out for.
COMMON TOOTHPASTE INGREDIENTS
FLUORIDE
Only toothpastes containing fluoride (sodium, stannous, and monofluorophosphate) are recognized by the FDA for cavity prevention. Stannus flouride, when formulated properly, goes beyond cavity protection to help fight gum disease, ease sensitivity, and protect against acid erosion.
SORBITOL
The ingredient helps toothpaste retain its smooth shape while also sweetening up the flavor. Unlike sugar, the sweetening agent does not cause cavities and is safe for teeth.
GLYCERIN
This toothpaste ingredient helps keep your toothpaste from drying out while making sure its texture stays consistently smooth.
ABRASIVES
The most commonly used abrasive is calcium carbonate. When you scrub your teeth with your toothbrush, the ingredient helps to remove plaque and surface stains. Other abrasives include magnesium carbonate, silicates, phosphate silica gels. Abrasives are tough on plaque but gentle on your enamel, ensuring you get that smooth-feel clean without any damage.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate used to create the foamy action you associate with toothpaste; this ingredient can cause mouth or canker sores in people who are prone to them. If you’re not prone to mouth sores, then the ingredient is completely safe to use.