Toothpaste ingredients

The most recognized toothpaste ingredient is probably the class of compounds known as fluorides. Stannous fluoride was the first to be used in toothpaste because, unlike sodium fluoride, it did not lose its effectiveness when combined with the abrasive most common at the time, calcium phosphate. Later, sodium mono-fluorophosphate came into popular use because it too could be used with the common abrasives. 

But diethylene glycol is not glycerin or propylene glycol, both of which are nontoxic toothpaste ingredients that also have antifreeze properties, in addition to the emulsifying and moisturizing properties that are useful in toothpastes, cosmetics, baby wipes, bubble baths, medicines, flavorings, and shampoos. 

Toothpaste Ingredients Examine the ingredient label on a tube of toothpaste. Write formulas for as many of the chemical names listed as you can. List whether each ingredient is an ionic or a covalent compound. 

Problem 1.4 An element like fluorine forms either ionic or covalent bonds, depending on the identity of the element to which it bonds. What type of bonding is observed in each compound (a) NaF, a toothpaste ingredient added to strengthen tooth enamel (b) CFCI3, a chlorofluorocarbon once widely used as an aerosol propellant Explain why a difference is observed. 

Humectant System The humectant system comprises one or more liquids in which the other toothpaste ingredients are dispersed to provide a stable paste. The liquids are usually glycerol and 70% aqueous sorbitol. Propylene glycol [57-55-6] and polyethylene glycols are used occasionally. The liquids are used alone or in combination. Their water activity is such that they do not support bacteriological growth. The humectant system does not crystallize, and thus the final formulation does not dry out or cause the tube cap to lock to the nozzle. 

Benzoic acid is an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, cosmetics, and deodorants. 

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, detergents, laundry soaps, and cosmetics. It kills germs by interfering with the enzyme necessary for fatty-acid synthesis. 

So when someone warns that there is antifreeze in your toothpaste, ask which antifreeze. Some are illegal adulterants added by criminal cost-cutters, and their products are quickly recalled. Others (like glycerin, propylene glycol, or salt) are generally recognized as safe and are reasonable household ingredients. 

An important application of some sodium alcohol sulfates, particularly those based on C12 and C12-CI4 and produced in powder and needle forms, is as the basic surfactant ingredient in toothpastes. Sodium and triethanolamine lauryl sulfates are also components of shaving creams. 

By the same token, the inclusion of diagrams could negatively affect students interpretation. Crisp and Sweiry (2006) studied students performance in examination questions. They found that on some occasions the inclusion of a diagram supplemented the verbal information provided in the examination questions whilst on other occasions the use of different diagrams associated with the same verbal questions did not significantly affect students performance. However, when students were provided with Fig. 3.5 and asked for the products of the reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate, which is an ingredient of toothpaste, 9% of students gave answers such as shampoo and soap . 

Fig. 3.5 The diagram assoeiated with an examination question - what are the produets of the reaetion between hydroehlorie aeid and sodium earbonate whieh is an ingredient of toothpaste (Crisp Sweiry (2006)...

The active ingredient in a well-known brand of toothpaste that re-... 

Was this your answer This compound, sodium fluoride, is a common ingredient of most toothpastes. 

One of the most common sulfate detergents is sodium lauryl sulfate, a main ingredient of many toothpastes. A common sulfonate detergent is sodium dode-cyl benzenesulfonate, also known as a linear alkylsulfonate, or LAS. You ll often find this compound in dishwashing liquids. Both these detergents are biodegradable, which means microorganisms can break down the molecules once they are released into the environment. 

How might you tell whether or not your toothpaste contained calcium carbonate, CaC03, or perhaps baking soda, NaHC03, without looking at the ingredients label ... 

Tetrapotassium peroxodiphosphate is being investigated as an ingredient in toothpaste as an anticalculus agent and bactericide. However, the peroxodiphosphates are not useful commercial products at present,... 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) This substance makes everything from shampoo to bubble bath to toothpaste foam. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (the industry experts who test the safety of ingredients) reported that it caused enough changes in mouse skin to warrant further study. The Environmental Working Group says avoid SLS whenever possible. 

Tin (Sn) Tin is a silvery white metal. Solder is an alloy of tin and lead and is used in electrical connections. Stannous fluoride (SnF2) was once a common ingredient in toothpaste, but has largely been replaced by sodium monofluo-rophosphate. 

Of course there is no such product as LoveSmile toothpaste, at least a search of the Internet failed to reveal one. What the above news item suggests is that a trip to the dentist is likely to become a rare event in the life of children bom today, unlike the regular visits to the dentist that most people have had to make in the past if they wanted to keep their teeth in good condition. The new ingredients mentioned in the... 

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