Toothpastes are formulated not only to clean teeth and to prevent cavities, but to address a variety of dental issues such as tooth sensitivity, periodontal disease, and special whitening and stain removal. Different active ingredients address these problems, but toothpaste consists mostly of inactive ingredients.
Water and Humectants
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, water and humectants make up approximately 75 percent of toothpaste. Humectants retain moisture. In toothpaste, humectants hold water to give the product its thick consistency while allowing it to dispense properly. The correct moisture and consistency aids in the suspension and delivery of the active ingredients.
Abrasives
Abrasives are used to clean the teeth. They remove plaque, polish the enamel and scrub away surface stains. Hydrated silica is a common abrasive in toothpastes such as Crest and Colgate. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that most toothpaste formulas consist of about 20 percent abrasives.
Foaming Agent
Sodium laurel sulfate, or SLS, is a detergent and surfactant used in toothpaste as a foaming agent. It is listed as an inactive ingredient in toothpaste, but it does have side effects. SLS is a harsh irritant which has been linked to canker sores and oral ulcers.
Flavorings
Flavoring ingredients include mint and other flavorings as well as sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners such as sorbital and saccharin are commonly used in toothpaste.
Titanium Dioxide and Artificial Dyes
White toothpaste formulas use titanium dioxide to make the toothpaste opaque and white. Titanium dioxide has been described as a possible human carcinogen by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, specifically in dust form if it is inhaled. Artificial chemical dyes are also used to color opaque and gel toothpastes.
