Biotene PBF toothpaste is designed to both clean and polish the teeth as well as increase saliva production to aid in dry mouth symptoms. It uses what is marketed as the "LP3 Salivary Enzyme System" to fight oral bacteria. This product claims to help prevent dental caries (cavities), enhance tooth whiteness and keep the mouth moist.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Biotene's PBF Toothpaste formula is the anti-cavity sodium monofluorophosphate. This is an odorless chemical that adds fluoride to the toothpaste. Sodium monofluorophosphate is also known as disodium monofluorophospate and sodium monofluorophospate and is a combination of sodium fluoride, sodium salt and phosphorofluoridic acid.
LP3 Salivary Enzyme System
There are six enzymes that are combined in this "system." These are glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, mutanase, dextranase and lysozyme. These enzymes help stimulate saliva production. Lactoperoxidase has been shown to have anti-microbial functions which kill both bacteria and fungi.
Sweeteners
The sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol make this toothpaste palatable. While these ingredients work as flavoring, they also prevent moisture loss. Both are naturally occurring substances.
Colorings
D&C yellow 10 and FD&C blue 1 are both used as coloring in the toothpaste. These two colors add nothing beneficial to the formula and only aid in coloring it to make the product visually appealing. Both of these colorings have been deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Miscellaneous
Other ingredients included in PBF Toothpaste include beta d glucose, glycerin, cellulose gum, calcium lactate, isoceteth 20, poloxamer, hydrated silica, potassium thiocyanate and sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent spoilage. Cellulose gum naturally occurs in plant cell walls and is added to bind and bulk up the formula.
