Microplastics, bone meal and parabens; you come across ingredients like these again and again when you go through the ingredients of different types of toothpaste. We will explain exactly what is hidden behind the ingredients in today's blog post.
Toothpaste ingredients: Deciphering INCI codes
Ingredients must be declared uniformly across the EU. This also applies to the ingredients of cosmetics and toothpaste. The basis is the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI codes). For the layperson, these names are often not explained in a plausible and understandable way.
Toothpaste: cleaning agents and abrasive particles
The intensity of cleaning agents and abrasive particles is determined by the RDA value (relative dentine abrasion). Any value above 80 should be avoided at all costs, especially if you tend to have sensitive teeth or if you have damaged teeth.
Toothpastes that have a very high RDA value often contain abrasives such as titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide. Much gentler pastes contain silica (silicon dioxide) and chalk (calcium carbonate). For a long time, pastes with microplastic beads were also advertised as a gentle alternative. However, they are now considered questionable because the microplastics can penetrate body tissue. Microplastics are hidden behind the terms polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
Toothpaste: detergents and foaming agents
So-called surfactants are hidden behind washing-active substances and foaming agents. They loosen the plaque and ensure that the “dirt” can be brushed off more easily. Surfactants are responsible for the foam in the toothpaste. The foam binds all the detached substances and ensures that they are removed.
Examples of detergent substances include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and coco betaine. Sodium lauryl sulfate has a slight antibacterial effect and is considered to be well tolerated.
Toothpaste: Fluoride and antibacterial substances
Fluorides such as zinc fluoride or amine fluoride harden tooth enamel. They are intended to protect teeth from acid attacks. Fluorides therefore prevent tooth decay. They can be found on the ingredients list under the names sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or olaflur. But be careful! Too high a fluoride content can be harmful to health. Toothpaste for children in particular should not contain more than 500 ppm of fluoride.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances prevent bacterial growth and inhibit their spread. Chlorhexidine, zinc compounds such as zinc lactate and zinc chloride, and tin pyrophosphates have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
Toothpaste: Desensitizing substances and preservatives
Desensitizing substances are often found in toothpaste for sensitive teeth. They are intended to relieve symptoms by interrupting the transmission of stimuli. Potassium nitrate, zinc carbonate hydroxyapatite and strontium salts have a desensitizing effect. Preservatives protect the toothpaste from loss of quality. They ensure that the toothpaste is preserved. Preservatives are declared under the names sorbic acid, benzyl alcohol or parabens such as propylparaben. Parabens are now considered problematic because they are said to have a hormone-like effect. Benzyl alcohol and sorbic acid, however, are considered completely harmless.
Toothpaste: humectants, binding agents and thickeners
Humectants prevent the toothpaste from drying out. Even if it is not closed properly, substances such as glycerin or sorbitol ensure that the toothpaste remains smooth.
Binding and thickening agents are responsible for the gel-like consistency of the toothpaste. Xanthan, carrageenan and polyethylene glycols (PEG) ensure that no water settles inside the tube. However, PEG is now considered problematic because it makes the mucous membranes and skin permeable.
Toothpaste: Flavors and Aromas
For many people, the taste of the toothpaste also plays an important role. For this reason, the pastes are often mixed with flavorings and aromas. Sweeteners such as sorbitol, saccharin and xylitol as well as various oils ensure a pleasant and fresh taste. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, also has an antibacterial effect.
Choosing the right toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste is up to each individual. However, more important than choosing the right toothpaste is proper care. With our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush, you can care for and clean your teeth perfectly. Based on the latest ultrasonic technology, you can counteract deposits at an early stage and ensure healthy oral flora.
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