Specialty Minerals Calcium Carbonates in Toothpaste and Oral Care Products
Precipitated calcium carbonates (PCC) and ground calcium carbonates (GCCs) are used in general purpose toothpastes, specialty dentifrices, and other oral care products. PCC functions as a moderate-to-mild abrasive, a less expensive filler, and as a thickener or bodying agent when using smaller or high surface area PCCs. Because calcium carbonate is insoluble in water, it can only be used in opaque products, not in clear gels.
TOOTHPASTE FORMULATION FROM MISWAK POWDER EXTRACT
Miswak, is stem of Salvadora persica, which is particulary used by Moslems for tooth brushing. Cosidering the useful properties of Miswak and easy use of toothpastes, this research is airned at toothpaste formulation from Miswak extract. Toothpaste bases were formulated by use of different ingredients. Some of the formulations were selected for accelerated stability test analysis. By these studies, the best formulation was choused. This formulation contained calcium carbonate as abrasive, propylene glycol and glycerin as humectant and NaCMC as binder. In the next step, methanolic extract of Miswak was prepared by soxelet method, and then Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of this extract was determined against Streptococcus sanguis which is one of the most important agents causing dental canes. The MIC was 320 µg/ml, so 0.3% (10 fold of MIC) of extract was used in toothpaste. For evolution of antimicrobial effect, the medical toothpaste were compared against toothpaste base, tetracycline and ampicilin disc in Disc Diffusion method. Results showed that there were significant differences between medical toothpaste and toothpaste base, and that medical toothpaste was as effective as ampicilin but less effective than tetracycline.
What is toothpaste made from?
Mainly chalk with some flavoring like mint. But the first toothpastes were made from gritty substances such as chalk and jeweller's polish. They certainly wore away those nasty little stains-but they wore away people's teeth too!
Toothpaste seems to improve every day. We have anti-cavity toothpastes, extra-whitening toothpastes, toothpastes with mouthwash, toothpastes for sensitive teeth, toothpastes with stripes, clear toothpaste, even liver flavored toothpaste for dogs.
A modern toothpaste has many things to do. It must have abrasives to scour off bacterial films. It must have fluorides to harden the teeth against decay. It must have a strong enough flavor to hide the bad tastes of decaying bits of previous meals, and the awful taste of some of the other ingredients, such as detergents and phosphates.
Toothpaste must have thickeners to stay on the toothbrush, and squeeze out of the tube. It must have detergents to remove fatty films, and water softeners to make the detergents work better, and sweeteners, preferably non-nutritive, so bacteria are not encouraged.
Toothpaste ingredients
The most recognized toothpaste ingredient is probably the class of compounds known as fluorides. Stannous fluoride was the first to be used in toothpaste, because it could be used with the abrasive most common at the time, calcium phosphate. The calcium prevents sodium fluoride from being effective.
Later, sodium monofluorophosphate was used, as it also could be used with abrasives common at the time.
When hydrated silica became the abrasive of choice, sodium fluoride could be used, and is the most widely used fluoride in toothpastes at this time.
Hydrated silica is the transparent abrasive used in gel toothpastes, and in the clear parts of striped toothpaste. It has become common to use it in white opaque toothpastes as well, because of its compatibility with sodium fluoride.
Fluorides work better in combination with surfactants, which help the remineralization process. The most common are the lauryl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate.
Surfactants (detergents) also help clean the teeth, and provide a foam that helps to carry away debris. Moreover, lauryl sulfates have significant anti-bacterial properties, and they can penetrate and dissolve plaque.
Lauryl sulfates can irritate oral membranes, and so a similar detergent, lauryl sarcosinate often replaces some or all of the lauryl sulfate. Allantoin is sometimes added to relieve the irritation caused by detergents, alkalies, and acids.
The sequestering agent tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva, so they can't deposit on teeth as insoluble deposits called tartar, (calcified plaque). In this respect it acts as a water-softening agent. It won't remove tartar that already exists.
TSPP is slightly alkaline, and has a bitter taste, requiring additional flavorings to mask it. Also, additional detergents must be added to keep it in solution. All of these factors can irritate oral membranes and cause sensitivity.
Polymers such as the acrylic PVM/MA copolymer are added to prevent bacteria from breaking down pyrophosphates. Other long polymers used are polyethylene glycol (PEG) in various weights (i.e. PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-40, etc.), and polypropylene glycol (PPG).
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is added for taste and mouth feel. It combines with acids to release carbon dioxide gas, adding to the foam produced by brushing. It is a mild abrasive. It may reduce the numbers of acid loving bacteria in the mouth, although this effect lasts only as long as the mouth stays alkaline.
Sodium carbonate peroxide is added to "peroxide" toothpastes as a whitener. It breaks down into sodium carbonate (washing soda) and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide bleaches the teeth, and kills germs.
Sweeteners such as sodium saccharin are added for taste. Other flavors are usually strong essential oils in the mint family.
The anti-bacterial agent Triclosan is added to kill plaque-forming microbes.
Various gums are used to thicken the paste, but also to retain moisture, so the toothpaste does not dry out if the top is not replaced.
In white pastes, titanium dioxide is used to make the paste opaque and white.
A modern toothpaste has many things to do. It must have abrasives to scour off bacterial films. It must have fluorides to harden the teeth against decay. It must have a strong enough flavor to hide the bad tastes of decaying bits of previous meals, and the awful taste of some of the other ingredients, such as detergents and phosphates.
Toothpaste must have thickeners to stay on the toothbrush, and squeeze out of the tube. It must have detergents to remove fatty films, and water softeners to make the detergents work better, and sweeteners, preferably non-nutritive, so bacteria are not encouraged.
Toothpaste ingredients
The most recognized toothpaste ingredient is probably the class of compounds known as fluorides. Stannous fluoride was the first to be used in toothpaste, because it could be used with the abrasive most common at the time, calcium phosphate. The calcium prevents sodium fluoride from being effective.
Later, sodium monofluorophosphate was used, as it also could be used with abrasives common at the time.
When hydrated silica became the abrasive of choice, sodium fluoride could be used, and is the most widely used fluoride in toothpastes at this time.
Hydrated silica is the transparent abrasive used in gel toothpastes, and in the clear parts of striped toothpaste. It has become common to use it in white opaque toothpastes as well, because of its compatibility with sodium fluoride.
Fluorides work better in combination with surfactants, which help the remineralization process. The most common are the lauryl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate.
Surfactants (detergents) also help clean the teeth, and provide a foam that helps to carry away debris. Moreover, lauryl sulfates have significant anti-bacterial properties, and they can penetrate and dissolve plaque.
Lauryl sulfates can irritate oral membranes, and so a similar detergent, lauryl sarcosinate often replaces some or all of the lauryl sulfate. Allantoin is sometimes added to relieve the irritation caused by detergents, alkalies, and acids.
The sequestering agent tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva, so they can't deposit on teeth as insoluble deposits called tartar, (calcified plaque). In this respect it acts as a water-softening agent. It won't remove tartar that already exists.
TSPP is slightly alkaline, and has a bitter taste, requiring additional flavorings to mask it. Also, additional detergents must be added to keep it in solution. All of these factors can irritate oral membranes and cause sensitivity.
Polymers such as the acrylic PVM/MA copolymer are added to prevent bacteria from breaking down pyrophosphates. Other long polymers used are polyethylene glycol (PEG) in various weights (i.e. PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-40, etc.), and polypropylene glycol (PPG).
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is added for taste and mouth feel. It combines with acids to release carbon dioxide gas, adding to the foam produced by brushing. It is a mild abrasive. It may reduce the numbers of acid loving bacteria in the mouth, although this effect lasts only as long as the mouth stays alkaline.
Sodium carbonate peroxide is added to "peroxide" toothpastes as a whitener. It breaks down into sodium carbonate (washing soda) and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide bleaches the teeth, and kills germs.
Sweeteners such as sodium saccharin are added for taste. Other flavors are usually strong essential oils in the mint family.
The anti-bacterial agent Triclosan is added to kill plaque-forming microbes.
Various gums are used to thicken the paste, but also to retain moisture, so the toothpaste does not dry out if the top is not replaced.
In white pastes, titanium dioxide is used to make the paste opaque and white.
- MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTH POWDER. Thoroughly mix 3 parts baking soda (the cleanser and sweetener) with part salt (the abrasive) and funnel the compound into a short small-mouthed container such as a pop or beer bottle. You'll find that the creation has a satisfying, different taste and leaves your mouth feeling very fresh and soothed. If you'd like, add a few drops of peppermint or wintergreen oil to the concoction - or mix the home "brew" half-and-half with a commercial tooth powder - to give the dentifrice a more pleasant flavor. More Household Ingredients | Formula Submissions.
- MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTHPASTE. This formula is simply an extension of the tooth powder recipe: To each half cup of homemade powder, add 3 teaspoons of glycerin, 10-20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, cinnamon or whatever) and 1 drop of food coloring. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and add just enough water to make the concoction "tooth-pastey". Spoon the substance into a small refillable plastic squeeze bottle or any container that dispenses easily and won't leak. VoilÁ! Toothpaste! A word on glycerin here..
Commercial toothpastes generally incorporate a slick, easy flowing combination of chalk, soap, glycerin and flavorings. Your homemade creation won't be as smooth...but I know you'll find it more satisfying, less wasteful and - above all - less expensive. You'll be able to make a year's supply of toothpaste (for a family of four) at a total cost of around a buck and a half.
Toothpaste consists of several ingredients that are all important for creating a bright and healthy smile. Usually toothpastes are made out of fluoride, detergents, agents for keeping the toothpaste bound together and long lasting, a flavoring agent, and mild abrasives. Fluoride is very important to help remove plaque as well as reverse decay. (You can read more about Fluoride and it's uses on our article “Fluoride, Fluoridation, and Fluoride Treatments”.) Detergents are what cause the foaming of toothpaste, and they also help to clean and whiten teeth. Agents that are generally found in gel-like foods such as glycol are used in conjunction with binding agents like natural gums to help toothpaste last for years as well as keep it in a gel form. Flavorings such as mint, cinnamon, or lemon are added to give toothpaste a pleasant taste as well as help keep breath fresh. And mild abrasives are mixed with toothpastes because they help to gently scrape plaque from the tooth and also help lighten stains.
Why ADA toothpaste?
ADA toothpastes are going to have each of these ingredients tested and approved for oral health. For instance, you may buy a toothpaste not approved by the ADA that includes flavoring agents that are made with a sweetener like sugar. This would be especially dangerous to your teeth. All ADA toothpastes also have the meet the standard in how much fluoride is included in the toothpaste. Too much fluoride can actually cause dark stains on teeth, which is a cosmetic issue that you don't want to have happen to try a new toothpaste.
What about the FDA?
It is true that in order for a toothpaste to be on the market, the Food and Drug Administration has to approve it. However, the FDA is testing the health hazards that may occur because of ingredients. The FDA is trying to make sure that the toothpastes marketed are not going to irritate allergies or possibly poison customers. But they do not do laboratory tests to find out the effectiveness of toothpaste against plaque.
When you visit your dentist it is important for you to make sure that all items in their office have been approved by the ADA. It is your right to ask questions about any product your dentist wishes to use and it is in your best interest to find out about the ingredients a dentist is about to place into your mouth. If you decide that you want to find out more about ADA approved products, you can do a product search on their website
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