We use toothpaste every day, but do you know what’s in it?
In addition to water, toothpaste is made from a variety of different components, including:
1. Abrasive
At least 50% of a toothpaste is made of abrasives which help to remove plaque from your teeth. A common abrasive is powdered white mica, which can act as a very mild abrasive and has the added benefit of forming a glittery shimmer in the toothpaste.
2. Fluoride
In its various forms, flouride is the most active ingredient in toothpaste to actually prevent cavities. Occurring in plants, animals, and some natural water sources, fluoride has beneficial effects on the forming of dental enamel and bones.
3. Detergent
Some toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate or other related detergents. These are found in many other personal care products, as well, such as shampoo, and is a foaming agent that helps to distribute the toothpaste, improving its cleansing power.
Other ingredients
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Antibacterial agents
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Flavor
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Remineralizers
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Miscellaneous components