Toothpaste Ingredients - What is in it?
Every few weeks, when I stand in front of the rack with the toothpaste in the drugstore department, I find it difficult to choose the right product. There are universal pastes with complete protection for teeth and gums, then there is the sensitive toothpaste for exposed cervicals or the tubes that promise me to dissolve the tea, coffee and red wine stains. But what is actually in toothpaste? As an example, I have looked at the ingredients of my current toothpaste and am surprised what is listed here so everything and above all, what is behind it.
Sodium saccharin, sorbitol, flavor
The sweetener Sodium Saccharin is used to taste-correct the not so tasty ingredients. Another sugar substitute, the sorbitol, defuses the dispute over the open toothpaste tube, because sorbitol is used as a humectant and protects the paste from drying out. In addition, the toothpaste, as well as the addition of aroma, gets a fresh taste.
Hydrated silica
The silica powder? Hydrated silica? is used as a thickener. The abrasive substance also ensures that the plaque is removed. There are differences in granule size, teeth should not be damaged. Toothpastes are tested again and again. Although I also read that it also depends on the combination with the toothbrush, the strength of your own scrubbing and also plays a role in how the toothpaste in the mouth with water is diluted.
PEG
Polyethylene glycols (PEG) are emulsifiers. Mixed into the toothpaste, they ensure that when applying to the toothbrush not only once a momentum leaks out water and the solid part remains inside the tube. Water and solid substances mix and become paste. Now, the PEGs make the mucous membrane permeable, which probably has both good and bad sides: This allows the active ingredients are better absorbed, such as herbal extracts. Other active ingredients that are not wanted may be detrimental. I am thinking of allergy sufferers of sugar substitutes or to the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate, which is also in my toothpaste.
sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that is considered allergenic and irritating to the skin. It may also dry out the mucous membrane. It is not always immediately apparent in the ingredients, as it is also known as Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS).
Sodium fluoride
Fluoride protects teeth from decay. In a larger dose it is harmful to health, therefore, on the toothpaste is also a warning for children under 6 years that they should take only a pea-sized amount and care must be taken under supervision that the little ones do not over-swallow. There are countries like the USA or Switzerland, which pour fluoride into the groundwater. But that's not really necessary. Those who have a defect would be aware of white lines or stains on their teeth and be able to tackle the problem otherwise. In addition to toothpaste, fluorides are also found in salt, for example.
CI 77891, CI 73360
CI stands for Color Index, ie for dyes. Thus, the toothpaste is multicolored, on the other hand, unwanted colored additives are covered with the desired color.
By the way, although I always hold several toothpastes while shopping and want to try another, I end up back at the same place. I suppose it's the flavors that mimic the taste of chewing gum and thus the freshness. Maybe it's like cat food. Since my cat takes no other. But now I've decided to try a close-to-nature toothpaste, even if I do not think it's so pleasant, it should not foam.
