Toothpastes

Description

The most important measure of oral hygiene is regular tooth brushing with toothbrushes, dental floss and interdental brushes. Whereas toothpastes used to have the task of supporting plaque removal by the toothbrush and covering mouth odour, modern toothpastes are at present in addition carriers of active ingredients to prevent caries (tooth decay). They reduce dental calculus formation and effectively prevent the occurrence of gingival diseases. The abrasives (polishing agents, abrasive agents) in toothpastes support the mechanical cleansing of the tooth surface by the toothbrush. They remove dental plaque and polish the dental surface to delay a renewed adhesion of the plaque. The abrasives used are water insoluble inorganic substances such as CALCIUM CARBONATE (chalk), sodium bicarbonate and silica gels (amorphous silicon dioxide) in concentrations of 15 to 60%. Children's toothpastes are less abrasive to particularly protect the soft tooth enamel. With a view to caries management and the remineralisation of teeth, different fluorides are used (eg sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride and tin fluoride). They also act on the metabolism of the bacteria and inhibit their growth. The remineralisation is also supported and accelerated by CALCIUM GLYCEROPHOSPHATE, calcium hydrogen phosphate and xylitol. Plaque is the underlying cause for caries and gingivitis (gum inflammation). Antibacterial ingredients such as essential oils and zinc and tin salts reduce the bacterial count in the oral cavity and thus delay significantly the new formation of plaque. Different potassium salts act against sensitive teeth but also for instance fluorides, ARGININE and sodium citrate. Surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sarconisate and BETAINE are used in concentrations of less than 2%. They promote the dissolution and distribution of the toothpaste in the oral cavity and hence support the mechanical removal of plaque, more particularly in areas which are only difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Moreover, surfactants facilitate the integration of substances with poor water solubility and generate a foam during tooth brushing which is perceived as pleasant by most consumers. Thickeners ensure the requested structure and consistency of the toothpastes and prevent solids and liquid components from separating. Concentration levels are typically below 2%. The ingredients used are, for instance, alginates as well as carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and XANTHAN. Moisturisers protect toothpastes from drying out and improve stability at low temperatures. They are used at levels ranging from 10 to 45%. Frequently used moisturisers are GLYCERIN, SORBITOL and xylite. Flavours, essential oils, ensure a pleasant odour and taste. Flavours are used at concentrations of approximately 1%. Frequently used substances are peppermint oils, menthol and other basic flavours such as anise oil, fennel oil and eucalyptus oil. Fine tuning of the taste is based on spice and flower oils such as vanilla, cinnamon oil, clove oil, rose oil, geranium oil and fruit notes. Some essential oils stimulate the oral mucous membrane. Sweeteners such as SACCHARINE, xylite, sorbitol, acesulfame as well as SUCRALOSE serve for flavour enhancing of the products. Low concentrations (mostly less than 0.1%) are often sufficient for a pleasant sweetening. Preservatives protect the products during use from bacterial contamination. Colourants permit an appealing colouring of the product. Other ingredients and protective substances are in many cases added in the form of vitamins or plant extracts (peppermint, arnica, echinacea, camomile, witch hazel).