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What’s in Toothpaste?

Live Life Smiling

toothpaste-ingredients
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • November 24, 2021

 

MOST OF THE TIME, the only toothpaste ingredient that really gets talked about is fluoride, the active ingredient that helps remineralize tooth enamel and protects teeth from decay. The American Dental Association calls fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter,” and toothpaste must contain it in order to receive the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. But what are the common inactive ingredients?

Abrasives

Abrasives, such as calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and hydrated aluminum oxides, are toothpaste ingredients that help remove food debris and surface stains. They are there to scrub and polish the surface of our teeth, but be careful not to scrub too hard, because we can cause a lot of damage to our teeth and gums by overbrushing.

Flavors

Flavors, including sugar-free sweetening agents like saccharin or sorbitol, make our toothpaste taste good (because fluoride and abrasives on their own do not). The ADA will not give its Seal of Acceptance to any toothpaste that contains sugar.

Humectants

Humectants like sorbitol, glycol, or glycerol keep our toothpaste from becoming dry and crumbly. They trap water in it and give it a nice, smooth texture that can squeeze out of a tube.

Detergents

Finally, detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate make toothpaste foamy, ensuring that the other ingredients effectively coat our teeth.

Bleaching Agents and Braces?

One ingredient orthodontic patients should avoid during their treatment is a bleaching agent. Using whitening toothpaste while the braces are on can lead to different colored patches where the brackets were after Braces Off Day!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Sarah M.
From the first step in the door we were impressed!! Professional, friendly, explained everything thoroughly. So happy we chose Holmes and Palmer. Highly recommend 😀
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
Francesca H.
We always have the best experience here! Such a clean and friendly environment. They are patient and understanding and will walk my daughter through any of her fears or concerns. 100% recommend!
Alison W.
Wonderful staff and atmosphere! Everyone is friendly and takes time to explain every step! Highly recommended!
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    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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