Commercial toothpastes help remove plaque and debris from the teeth and along the gumline. Some toothpastes may have additional purposes, like whitening or reducing sensitivity.
While the ingredients in commercial toothpastes vary, there are some common ingredients you'll find in most products. Fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, is something you'll frequently see on lists of ingredients. The Indian Academy of Oral Biology notes that fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent dental caries, which is why it's added to many brands of toothpaste.
Abrasives are responsible for removing stains and food debris from your teeth. Commercial toothpastes include gentle abrasives like dehydrated silica gels or hydrated aluminium oxides. These ingredients are specially designed to not scratch the tooth enamel.
Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, are also common in toothpastes. Detergents are what make the toothpaste foam when you brush, allowing you to reach all the surfaces of the teeth.
Commercial toothpastes also have ingredients called humectants that keep the product from drying out. Humectants like glycol and glycerol keep the toothpaste soft and smooth.
Of course, commercial toothpastes also have flavourings. Saccharin, sorbitol and other sweetening agents give toothpastes their pleasant tastes.