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Toothpaste

The removal of food/oral debris, the minimization of the microbial population in the mouth and throat, and the removal and prevention of plaque and calculus deposition are important for the enhancement of personal feelings of well-being (clean breath, mouth taste and mouth feel) and the prevention of oral diseases. Brushing one's teeth is one of the most important parts of healthy hygiene. In addition to freshening the breath and strengthening the teeth, proper brushing also kills the germs and bacteria that can grow inside the mouth. Toothpastes are an everyday consumption product and are known as such in a great number of varieties. Toothpaste formulations generally contain dentally acceptable abrasive, humectant, water, and water-soluble polymer which serves as a thickener and binder for the ingredients. The formulation properties of a toothpaste will depend on the inherent properties of the binder, abrasive, humectant, water and other components of the formulation, and they will also depend on how these components behave in complex mixtures with each other. A variety of other ingredients such as flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and fluoride are also utilized at low levels. Glycerin and sorbitol are the most commonly used humectants for toothpaste, and depending on the characteristics desired in the product, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol may be incorporated as well. Two types of toothpaste are widely produced: 1) cream or opaque; and 2) transparent or translucent gel. Toothpastes typically contain a polishing agent or abrasive, humectant, binder or thickener, surfactant, and water. The humectant and water are also referred to collectively as the vehicle. In addition, agents that provide therapeutic or cosmetic benefits may be incorporated such as preservatives, fluorides, flavoring agents, sweeteners and tartar control agents. The most commonly used thickeners or binders for toothpaste are carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Carrageenan, xanthan and polyacrylates are also used, but much less widely. The cleaning and abrasive properties of the toothpaste depend on the concentration of the powder, on the Moh's hardness of the abrasive, and on the shape and particle size and size distribution of the powder. The cleaning effect of toothpaste concerns its effectiveness in removing adventitious stains and other deposits from the surface of teeth and other parts of oral cavity. Toothpaste formulations have been recently developed that exhibit antibiotic properties. Such formulations inhibit the growth of plaque, and consequently the advent of gum disease.

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