Toothpaste, formally known as dentifrice, is a common bathroom find and used on a daily basis. Its use is a habit built on learning from our parents that it’s necessary for clean teeth. The store shelves are loaded with different options, including varieties for children, those with sensitive teeth, and gritty textured pastes for those looking to get whiter teeth. Have you ever wondered what all those long words are in the ingredients list or when toothpaste first appeared in the market? We’re going to dig into those questions you have. Hopefully we’ll answer them all and give you some more information on how best to utilize it for optimum oral health.
Toothpaste in History
Believe it or not, toothpaste has been around since ancient times. Researchers have discovered that ancient cultures that prized health especially focused on the teeth and mouth. Ancient Egyptians and Romans both started using toothpaste around 5000 BC, and probably influenced each other in regards to its contents. Such ingredients included egg shells and ashes of animal hooves. But even earlier than that around 500 BC, the people of India and China used dentifrice to clean their oral cavity and keep bad breath at bay. Most of these dentifrices were in powder form, offering the teeth stain fighting power. In the 1700s, European barbers also cared for people’s teeth, scraping away tarter and enamel to make the teeth look whiter.
A thousand years later, the more modern paste became prominent when soap came on the market and was added to these powders. Colgate started selling toothpastes in jars around 1850 and eventually transitioned to selling it in tin and lead tubes, a product packaged much like what we know today. Then, during World War II, lead and tin became scarce, so manufacturers started using plastic tubes instead. Since then, toothpaste manufacturers and the ADA have focused their research and toothpaste improvement on making toothpaste more effective against modern dental issues.
Types of Pastes
As mentioned above, toothpastes now come ready to help with lots of different oral issues. The labels on the front of most tubes can guide you to what you need or you can discuss it with your dentist and they’ll make some suggestions.
Whitening toothpaste often has a grittier texture that helps scrub away stains on the enamel.
Sensitivity toothpaste addresses the issue of sensitive teeth by either filling up the worn spots of enamel that have made roots vulnerable or by desensitizing the nerves of your teeth.
Tartar control toothpastes not only remove plaque build-up but also contain ingredients that suspend bacteria in your saliva. By doing this, it keeps plaque from building up into tartar deposits and keeps gum inflammation to a minimum.
Children’s Training toothpaste are called this because they often don’t contain fluoride so young children can accidently swallow it as they learn to brush and their parents won’t have to worry about them ingesting too much of the ingredient.
What are all those Ingredients on the tube for?
Can’t pronounce that twenty letter word in the ingredients box on your toothpaste tube? Don’t worry; we’ve broken it down for you.
Calcium carbonate, baking soda and silicates are all types of abrasives. If they’re used in a toothpaste formula, they make up about 20% of it for the purpose of removing bacteria, plaque, and food debris in a manner that won’t hurt your dental enamel. They offer a gritty texture perfect for stain removal.
Xanthan gum, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Polyphosphate, and Sorbitol Solution are bonding agents that make up the pasty texture of toothpastes and keep the liquid-solid ratio stabilized.
Glycerol, propylene, glycol and sorbitol are humectants, meaning they help with water retention in toothpaste. Nearly 75% of your tube contains these.
Menthol is the most common flavoring agent in toothpastes, but you may also find artificial sweeteners or aromatic oils for the same task.
Sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride makes up nearly a quarter of toothpaste chemical content. These fancy names for fluoride are on just about every tube sold in the U.S. currently. Fluoride is vital to a healthy mouth according to the American Dental Association, as it is an antibacterial agent, as well as a primary player in strengthening your tooth’s enamel.
Sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate or sodium lauryl sulfate are considered detergents by toothpaste manufacturers. Their foaming action loosen food debris and plaque from tooth structures and hard to brush areas of the mouth. These ingredients have also been linked with damaging oral tissue and causing canker sores, however this is a very rare occurrence.
How Much Toothpaste Should I Be Using?
The big debate is whether to use just a little toothpaste or to smother your toothbrush with it. Most dental professionals will tell you less is more. A pea size dab of toothpaste used within the recommended 2 minute brushing regiment will adequately clean teeth and gums, and freshen breath.
How Can I Be Sure I’m using the Right Toothpaste?
Your bi-annual check-up with a dentist is the key to knowing your oral needs and making sure you’re buying the right toothpaste and properly caring for your mouth. Your dentist can address any issues they find, make recommendations based on your concerns, and also help you improve your brushing technique. If you haven’t chosen a family dentist, we’d love to be considered for this important health need. Please feel free to give us a call to set up your next appointment.
Emergency
Patient Forms
Contact Us