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.
The ingredients that you may find in recipes for DIY toothpastes are quite different from the ingredients in commercial toothpastes. Some recipes include ingredients you'd find around the house, like lemon juice, coconut oil and baking soda. Other recipes incorporate ingredients like clay or charcoal.
For flavour and scent, people may add essential oils like spearmint, peppermint or cinnamon.
An advantage of making your own toothpaste is reducing plastic waste. Some commercial toothpastes are packaged in recyclable tubes and some are in plastic tubes that are discarded after use. People who opt for homemade versions often store their toothpaste in reusable glass or plastic jars. Once all the toothpaste is used, the container can be washed and reused.
Some people prefer making toothpaste at home because they want to have more control over the ingredients. Commercial toothpastes may have ingredients that are unfamiliar or hard to pronounce, like sodium lauryl sulphate. While these ingredients are safe, some people may want to use more familiar household ingredients.
Toothpastes that are made at home leave out a key ingredient: fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that's found in soil and rocks, and it helps keep tooth enamel strong. The ADA reports that toothpaste with fluoride is responsible for a significant reduction in cavities since 1960. If you make your own toothpaste at home, you'll be missing out on the important benefits of fluoride.
While the ingredients in homemade toothpastes may be natural, that doesn't mean they're all safe for your teeth. Some ingredients, like lemon juice, are acidic and may damage enamel. Other ingredients, like baking soda, are mildly abrasive, which is also harmful to enamel.
Storing toothpaste that you make at home can also pose challenges. If the toothpaste is stored in a jar, it may be difficult to keep it sanitary. Dipping the tip of the brush into the jar can contaminate the toothpaste, especially if you're sharing it with the whole family.
Depending on the ingredients in the recipe, some DIY toothpastes may need to be refrigerated. While commercial toothpastes often have a two-year expiry date, homemade products may have a shorter shelf life.
There are many products that DIY enthusiasts can make on their own, but toothpaste shouldn't be one of them. To protect your teeth, make sure to buy toothpaste with cavity-fighting fluoride.
Don't hesitate to ask your dentist for advice on choosing the right toothpaste for your oral health needs.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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