Toothpaste Ingredients

If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list of your toothpaste, there might be one or two that you are confused by. In this blog post, we will break down ingredients often found in toothpaste and their purpose. We will also share ingredients you may want to avoid due to sensitivities or personal health concerns. 

What is the main ingredient in toothpaste?

The main active ingredient in toothpaste is typically fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. Popular brands commonly use sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or stannous fluoride in toothpaste. 

What ingredients are common in toothpaste?

Below are common toothpaste ingredients and their functions. It is important to remember that toothpaste ingredients vary depending on the brand and type.

Abrasives

Abrasives help remove plaque and surface stains from your teeth. Standard abrasives are calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, and aluminum hydroxide. 

Humectants

Humectants retain moisture in the toothpaste and prevent it from drying out. Glycerin and sorbitol are examples of humectants. 

Binders and Thickeners

These give toothpaste its texture and help it maintain its shape. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, or xanthan gum are commonly used.  

Detergents

Detergents create the foaming action and aid in removing food particles and bacteria. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium lauroyl sarcosinate are commonly used. 

Flavoring Agents

Various flavors such as mint, spearmint, cinnamon, and fruit extracts are added to make toothpaste more pleasant. 

Sweeteners

Sweeteners, like flavoring agents, are added to enhance the taste of toothpaste. Saccharin or sorbitol are often used. 

Preservatives 

Preservatives such as sodium benzoate or parabens are often included to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of toothpaste. 

Coloring Agents

Toothpaste can contain dyes or pigments to give it a specific color. 

What toothpaste ingredients are harmful?

While toothpaste is healthy and should aid your oral health, some people may prefer to avoid some ingredients. Toothpaste ingredients some consider harmful include:

Triclosan

Some toothpastes use triclosan as an antibacterial agent to combat plaque and gum disease. Triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and affect hormone regulation.  

Propylene Glycol

This ingredient is a humectant to help the toothpaste retain moisture. Some individuals may be sensitive to it and experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a detergent type that creates the lathering effect of toothpaste. This foaming agent can cause mouth irritation or canker sores for people due to its potential to strip away the protective lining of the mouth.  

Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles used for scrubbing or cleaning action. The use of microbeads has raised environmental concerns due to their contribution to plastic pollution. 

Artificial Sweeteners

Some toothpastes use artificial sweeteners to enhance flavor. While these are generally considered safe, some may prefer to avoid them due to potential health concerns. 

Fluoride — In Large Amounts

As mentioned, fluoride is the main ingredient in most toothpaste. While it is beneficial in preventing tooth decay, excessive fluoride ingestion is not safe. It can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue affecting tooth enamel’s appearance. Since children are at a higher risk of swallowing toothpaste, we recommend using fluoride-free until they learn to spit out toothpaste. 

It’s worth noting that different brands and variants of toothpaste may have additional ingredients or variations in the specific formulation. Always refer to the product packaging or consult the manufacturer’s information for the precise ingredient list of a particular toothpaste.

Need help determining what toothpaste to use?

Contact Fortson Dentistry at 248-968-2914 to schedule an appointment at one of our locations. Upon examination, our staff can help determine the best toothpaste based on your oral health needs.