Toothpaste contains various ingredients such as abrasives, anti-cavity agents, flavoring agents, and detergents that help in maintaining oral health.
We are often advised to brush our teeth twice a day, but many of us end up brushing only once. However, the habit of cleaning our mouth is instilled in us from an early age. Even before our milk teeth appear, mothers are instructed to clean their baby’s gums with a cloth, which is later replaced by a toothbrush.
Therefore, it becomes a routine for us to wake up in the morning and brush our teeth with toothpaste. While we know that brushing with toothpaste helps in keeping our teeth healthy, we might wonder how exactly toothpaste achieves this.
What Does Toothpaste Do?
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In the field of dentistry, toothpaste is referred to as “dentrifice” and its main purpose is to clean teeth and prevent cavities, as well as provide fresh breath.
Cavities, gum problems, and bad breath have been issues for centuries, and efforts to address them started early on.
It might be surprising to know that ancient humans (3000-5000 BC) used toothpaste made of eggshells, water, and pumice. However, the taste was unpleasant, leading to improvements in the formula.
W.D Miller’s theory of dental decay brought significant advancements in the toothpaste industry. The theory proposed that cavities and decay were caused by the loss of calcium from the enamel due to organic acids produced by oral bacteria when they come in contact with food.
Toothpastes had to address tooth decay, bad breath, and gum problems. Since the early 1900s, toothpastes have evolved to become similar to the ones we use today, thanks to discoveries in healthcare, dental hygiene, and chemistry.
How Does Toothpaste Clean Our Teeth?
Modern toothpastes consist of a variety of ingredients to effectively clean our teeth. We no longer use eggshells or bone powder.
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One common ingredient is fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay by reducing the formation of tartar and plaque on teeth surfaces. It also kills bacteria that adhere to our teeth and form a layer of plaque.
Fluoride compounds also play a role in remineralizing tooth enamel, similar to replacing bricks in a sturdy structure. These compounds include sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluoride, and stannous fluoride.
Although fluoride is essential in today’s toothpastes, it does have some limitations.
In 1914, toothpastes began to include fluorides. However, it took almost 40 years for the American Dental Association (ADA) to approve the use of fluoride in toothpaste due to concerns about its toxicity. To address the risk of fluorosis in young children and patients with limited ability to spit out toothpaste, edible toothpaste without harmful substances was developed. However, a study found that while these edible toothpastes were effective in reducing harmful oral microorganisms, they had minimal impact on reducing plaque and actually promoted plaque regrowth in the short term.
In addition to fluoride, toothpaste contains an abrasive agent to mechanically clean teeth. This agent, made up of minute minerals like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, or silica gel, helps scrub off tiny food particles stuck on the teeth. To assist the abrasive agent, toothpaste also includes a soapy agent. These agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sarcosinate, create a slippery texture that helps debris fall out when brushing.
Furthermore, toothpaste contains chemicals that prolong its shelf life. Humectants prevent the toothpaste from drying out in the tube, while a binding agent keeps all the other chemicals in a gel form. Lastly, flavoring is added to give toothpaste a pleasant taste, making it more enjoyable to use.
Despite concerns about the chemicals in toothpaste, there is significant evidence suggesting that they are beneficial. The therapeutic agents and abrasives in toothpaste improve oral hygiene, such as preventing cavities and aiding in enamel remineralization. Toothpastes containing triclosan have been found effective in reducing gum problems and bad breath. These agents are not present in water or achieved through mechanical cleaning alone, making toothpaste essential for optimal oral health.