Toothpastes can be made up of different “ingredients”; however the two main must-have ingredients are: - Fluoride
- Abrasives
Fluoride is crucial because it provides the restoring capability to toothpaste. Fluoride incorporates itself into the teeth’s enamel. This strengthens the teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Also, the fluoride helps restore areas of demineralized enamel in early stage cavities.
The abrasives are what actually clean the teeth. Tooth plaque is sticky and must be physically removed. This is what the abrasives do. They provide “grit” so plaque can be scrubbed away. Abrasives are usually in the form of calcium carbonates, calcium phosphates, or another similar compound.
Other toothpaste ingredients can include:
Peroxides (some whitening toothpastes contain this)
Potassium Nitrate (contained in sensitivity toothpastes)
Surfactants (creates the foaming action to help spread the paste around)
Flavoring agents
Sweeteners (such as xylitol)
Preservatives
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