How well do you know your toothpaste?

   Waking up early in the morning and what is that first thing you usually do when taking your shower or, that that very last regimen you carry out in order to maintain your teeth as pearly white and free from plaques before going to bed? Yes, that’s right. It’s brushing your teeth with non-other the toothpaste!

 

A toothpaste, which usually comes in the form of a paste, gel or powder. A substance that we put into our mouths two or three times every day, week after week, year after year. That adds up to a lot of toothpaste. But does it actually occurred to you what ingredients does the gel contains and its effects to us humans? Have you ever read the label on a toothpaste before purchasing them?

Back in the olden days, the Greeks and then the Romans used toothpaste recipes containing abrasives such as crushed bones and oyster shells.

  

 

Toothpaste was first developed in the mid-1800s. When toothpaste was first presented to the public, it was available in glass jars. In the late 1800s toothpaste was packaged in collapsible tubes. It wasn't until 1934 that the American Dental Association first put forth standards to be met in the production of toothpaste.

Nowadays, toothpaste are manufactured with various types of chemicals in it to satisfy the customers’ needs. We could find toothpastes designed specifically for children, tartar control or even sensitive teeth. They may contain tooth whiteners and come in a variety of flavors. However, are those chemicals used safe for us? Do we 100% believe those commercials in saying that the toothpaste cleans and freshens our breath without thinking about the down-side of it? Below are a few common organic chemicals found in a toothpaste which may have its own goodness and side effects.

Organic chemicals in a toothpaste	Positive uses of the organic chemical	Health hazards
1.      Triclosan -          an antibacterial and antifungal agent	ü  To reduce the risk of gingivitis. ü  It kills the microbes that form plaque on the teeth.	§  A chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans. §  Has very bad  side effects on the environment. §  Children  exposed to the  substance have increased development  of allergies.
2.      Sodium lauryl sulfate -          a detergent and cleansing agent that causes the foaming action	ü  Used as the detergent part of the toothpaste, which helps make the toothpaste lather in your mouth and carries away debris by penetrating and dissolving plaque.	§  Can irritate oral membranes. §  Can cause skin irritation and lead to reoccurring canker sores.
3.      Propylene glycol -           a small organic alcohol	ü  Acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste.	§  Can be rapidly absorbed through the  skin, with prolonged contact leading to brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.
4.      Diethanolamine, DEA -          white solid at room temperature, but it has a tendency to absorb water and to supercool, a weak base	ü  To create a creamy texture and foaming action. ü  Used as a surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor.	§  Disrupts hormones and forms cancer-causing nitrates.
5.      Hydrated Silica -          a transparent abrasive that is used in modern gel, striped and opaque toothpastes	ü  Helps to safely remove plaque while brushing. ü  Polishes the tooth surface.	§  Alters the acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue.
6.      Glycerin -          a sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid that freezes to a gummy paste and has a very high boiling point	ü  Used to balance and maintain moisture levels by preventing the product from drying out and helps to preserve the product. ü  Contributes to a good mouth-feel and improves flavor.	§  Prevent   re- mineralization of teeth.
7.      FD&C Yellow Number 5 -          synthetic dye produced from petroleum	ü  Used as a colorant.	§  Inducing an allergic reaction in individuals such as bronchial asthma.
8.      Cellulose gum -          farmed from trees and cotton, readily renewable	ü  Creates stability and suitable viscosity in toothpaste while making it more fresh and pleasant.	§  Can result in flatulence if swallowed.

What do you think after looking through these common chemical ingredients in our toothpaste? Despite it being a wand of magic for our teeth, toothpaste could also be the one causing our health in such a jeopardy. Therefore, we as buyers should be careful of the type of toothpaste we obtain from the market as we use them daily in our life. Be smart by reading the labels and compare it with other toothpaste brands that are safer to consume. With that, both our teeth and health would thank us.