We use it every day and conveniently just squeeze it out of its tube, but toothpaste is made of a variety of different components all ensuring a clean and safe cleanser for your teeth.
So what’s it made of?
About 20-42% of toothpaste is actually water. There are also three main components other than water that do all the hard work, they are: detergents, abrasives and fluoride.
Abrasives
50% of most toothpastes are composed of abrasives. Their main job is to help remove plaque from your teeth and minimize the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Fluorides
Preventing cavities is fluoride’s primary job but it is also good for bones and tooth enamel. Fluoride can be found in some plants, animals, and water.
Detergents
Many toothpastes have detergents in them – they are similar to those found in other products including shampoo! The foaming action of toothpaste is attributed to these detergents.
Other components
- antibacterial agents
- flavors
- remineralizers
- sugar alcohols
more information can be found on Wikipedia
Dentist, Philadelphia