A-Z Fundamentals of Dentifrice: Oral Health Benefits in a Tube
Course Number: 670
Course Contents
Colors/Visuals
Finally, coloring agents are added to provide dentifrice with pleasing colors. The opacity of a paste dentifrice comes from the addition of titanium dioxide. Dentifrices formulated without titanium dioxide result in the formation of a gel dentifrice, rather than an opaque paste. Mica is used to provide a sparkly appearance in some dentifrices, such as those marketed to children. A summary of dentifrice additives can be found in Table 3.
Table 3. Nontherapeutic Dentifrice Ingredients: Summarized Below are Common Dentifrice Ingredients and Their Functions.
Examples | Functions | |
---|---|---|
Humectants | Sorbitol, glycerin | Provide flowability Prevent dehydration Prevent microbial growth |
Solvents | Water | Provide flowability Solvate polar ingredients Hydrate binders |
Abrasives | Hydrated silica, alumina, calcium carbonate | Remove stains Increase viscosity |
Surfactants | Sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, poloxamer. Sodium Hexametaphosphate | Create foam Emulsify flavors Clean |
Buffers | Trisodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate | Maintain pH to maximize stability and maintain efficacy |
Binders | Xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) carbomers, carrageenan | Provide structure and thickening. |
Flavors and Sweeteners | Menthol, peppermint, spearmint, green tea, sodium saccharin | Mask taste of unpleasant ingredients Provide consumer acceptability |
Emollients | Glycerin, Propylene Glycol | Retain moisture Soothing feel in mouth |
Colors and Visuals | Titanium dioxide, dyes, pigments, mica | Enhance esthetics |
Bleaches | Peroxide/Ca-Na Carbamide | Extrinsic Stain removal |
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