The ingredients that are included in your oral hygiene products are there for a reason. Oral hygiene products are more effective than ever before precisely because manufacturers have been able to refine their formulas and combine the most useful ingredients together. Keep reading to learn more from our O’Fallon dentists about how various ingredients benefit your smile.
Fluoride
This is a big one! Fluoride is a key ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, and for good reason. This natural mineral actually helps to strengthen teeth and re-mineralize dental enamel. Fluoride has been shown to reduce instances of cavity development and dental damage. One key caveat: children who are young enough to swallow toothpaste should not use toothpastes with fluoride, as they may develop dental fluorosis.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate
This is a type of detergent that is regularly included in toothpastes. When you see your toothpaste foam and suds up as you clean your smile, this is sodium laurel sulfate going to work! Oral hygiene detergents help you clean your smile effectively, and minimize plaque.
Abrasive Agents
Many toothpastes also include a few abrasive agents to help buff away plaque. Your toothpaste may use dehydrated silica gels, aluminum oxides, and/or calcium carbonate to help you manually dislodge stubborn plaque and dental debris. Modern abrasive agents are rough enough to disturb plaque, while being safe for your dental enamel and oral tissues.
Flavorings
There are many different flavor options for patients today. The key thing to know about flavoring agents is that they should not include sugar, as this ramps up oral bacteria production. Ingredients like saccharine and sorbitol improve the flavor or toothpastes and mouthwashes without coating your mouth in sugar.
Do you have a question about an ingredient that we didn’t cover today? If so, please feel free to reach out to our O’Fallon dentists by calling our office or using the Contact Us page on our website!