Basically, ADA-approved toothpaste has five ingredients that clean and preserve your gums and teeth. While other ingredients may be added, such as mouthwash, for freshening, essential toothpaste has five ingredients that maintain the health of the teeth and gums.
Fluoride: The Main Ingredients
Toothpaste, as noted, contains 5 essential primary ingredients – glycerol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fluoride. Fluoride is the main ingredient that is used to fight cavities. Not only does fluoride make the enamel harder, but it also makes teeth more resistant to acid erosion. Toothpaste that contains fluoride lists the ingredient as sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or stannous fluoride, each of which are recognized to prevent cavities by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A little bit of this mineral is all that is needed. Most toothpaste contains about 0.15% fluoride ion, which equates to 1,500 parts per million.
The Other Ingredients
Glycerol is used in toothpaste, so the product will not dry out. The ingredient gives toothpaste a smooth texture so it can quickly come out of the tube. Besides glycerol, this ingredient may be called glycerin or glycerine. This ingredient is often added to food processing, such as yogurt or peanut butter. Another toothpaste ingredient is sorbitol. This ingredient holds the paste together, and the glycerol sweetens the product. Another sweetener used in toothpaste to make it palatable to is saccharin. Calcium carbonate is used in toothpaste to remove plaque, surface stains, and debris from the teeth. When combined with the scrubbing motion of a toothbrush, the abrasive ingredient whitens the teeth and makes them feel smooth. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent-type ingredient that makes toothpaste bubble. It can cause canker sores or soreness. If you have these problems, look for toothpaste free of SLS.
If you want to know which toothpaste to use that is ADA-approved, check with us for a recommendation. It is also an excellent time to schedule an appointment for professional cleaning if you have not done so. Call us to have your teeth checked and cleaned every six months to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth looking their best.