Polishing agents, in toothpastes

Products and Uses An additive used as a buffer, dietary supplement, neutralizing agent, and nutrient. For polishing agents in toothpaste or powder. 

SLS s foaming properties do have a use in dental care besides consumer satisfaction, although its performance does not rely upon it heavily. The foaming action allows the polishing agent in toothpaste to be suspended and the detergency properties to reach otherwise inaccessible areas and cavities in the mouth. SLS also shows antimicrobial effects on bacterial flora in the mouth and hence is the most commonly chosen surfactant for toothpastes. 

Studies with rats, human adults and some children indicate that calcium-based polishing agents in five commercial and four experimental toothpastes prevent gut absorption of a considerable fraction of fluoride and monofluoro-phosphate owing to complexation [192]. Except for small initial losses of uncomplexed fluoride by interaction with calcium carbonate polishing particles, no major depletion of active ionic fluoride is found to occur in toothpastes over one year [359] but another study indicated considerable losses of free fluoride after only four months of shelf life [341]. It should be noted that analysis with the fluoride electrode might be unreliable in samples containing monofluoro-phosphate [360], glycerin [313] and silica gel [313]. 

Abrasive-Polishing Agent. Both silica gels and precipitates are found as abrasives (as well as thickeners) in toothpaste. Silicas are especially useful in the production of clear gel-type toothpastes, because it is possible to match the index of refraction of the liquid components of the formulation to that of the silica to provide the desired level of abrasivity while retaining the transparency of the toothpaste. This cannot be done with conventional abrasive agents, such as calcium carbonate. 

The dihydrate is used as a component of toothpastes for its polishing properties and low abrasiveness. It is also used in the food industry for mineral enrichment and in pharmaceuticals as a pelletising aid and thickening agent. The anhydrous phosphate is produced in a similar way but precipitation is carried out at above 80 °C. It is used in the formulation of fertilisers for tropical soils, and in toothpaste formulations. 

Hydroxyapatite is added in amounts of 1 to 2 % as an anti-caking agent in table salt, sugar and fertilisers. It is also used in toothpaste in conjunction with dicalcium phosphate to modify the polishing properties. The slaked lime should, therefore, meet strict quality requirements (Table 31.2). 

Dental Took. Many common dental tools are available for home use as part of a daily oral care routine. The most basic of dental tools is the toothbrush. Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and stiffness. Patient age and oral condition determine the best toothbrush for each individual. Toothbrushes usually consist of a plastic handle with nylon brisdes that remove food, bacteria, and plaque that can lead to tartar and dental caries. Toothpaste is usually added to a toothbrush to aid in cleaning the teeth and freshening the mouth. Toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors and compositions and may contain polishing or bleaching agents. Dental floss is another basic tool used to remove food and debris from between the teeth. Floss is available in waxed and unwaxed formulations and in a variety of widths and thicknesses. Mouthwash is a rinse that prevents gum disease. Mouthwash is available in many flavors, but all types reduce the number of germs in the mouth that cause gingivitis. 

Uses Emulsifier, suspending agent, thickener, stabilizer, binder in foods (salad dressings, sauces, bakery toppings, flavor syrups, confeclionety), phamnaceuti-cals (emulsions, jellies, creams), cosmetics (toothpaste, hair lotions, hand lotions, creams), industrial (textiles, ceramics, polishes, cigars)... 

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