These days people are being more and more conscious of what’s in the food they eat and the products they buy. But do you know what your toothpaste is made of? The answer is there are many different compounds that make up toothpaste. Modern toothpaste is truly a marvel of modern science that can remove stains and prevent tooth decay.
The official name for toothpaste is dentrifice, which means any substance intended to remove debris from teeth in order to prevent tooth decay. Dentrifice used to include both tooth powders and toothpastes, until the invention of the toothpaste tube made pre-mixed pastes much more popular because they were more convenient. Dentrifice is still the French word for toothpaste, though it hasn’t been used in English since around the turn of the 20th century.
All toothpastes have at least two key components: abrasives and surfactants. Abrasives are rough materials that aid the toothbrush in scrubbing debris such as plaque, tartar and food particles from teeth. Perhaps the most well-known toothpaste abrasive is sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda. Other abrasives include aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and silicas.
Abrasives also polish teeth so they’re shiny and smooth, but using them too roughly can actually damage teeth by stripping away enamel, which makes teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. That’s why it’s better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush than a hard bristle one, and to brush thoroughly, not hard.
Surfactants are compounds that help toothpaste get nice and foamy. This lathering effect has a real purpose: it helps evenly distribute the abrasives and other components, such as fluoride. While your dentist and the American Dental Association recommends toothpastes with fluoride for most people, there are fluoride free varities for those with a fluoride sensitivity. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and can even remineralize degraded tooth enamel.
Other inactive ingredients found in toothpaste include water (which can account for nearly 40% of what’s in the tube) and chemicals to keep the paste from drying out, such as propylene glycol and glycerol. Some pastes also include anti-bacterial agents that can help eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease. Specialized toothpastes, such as whitening or anti-sensitivity, may contain other compounds that contribute to their particular purpose.
If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by the choices in the toothpaste aisle, feel free to talk to our dental care team about which toothpaste is right for you.
Appointments 7am-7pm & on Saturdays!
Book Online or Call Today!
Invisalign® Clear Braces
Invisalign® is the revolutionary way to help you get even, straight teeth without noticeable, painful metal braces.
Relief From Snoring & Sleep Apnea!
We have great FDA-cleared, non-surgical alternatives to your CPAP. If snoring is a problem, we can help.
Reshape & Whiten Your Smile With Veneers
Fix discolored, chipped or crooked teeth quickly & easily with natural-looking veneers.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
At Everlasting Dental Care, we have convenient hours that won’t make you miss work or school.
Hours
- Monday: 7:00am- 7:00pm
- Tuesday: 7:00am- 7:00pm
- Wednesday: 7:00am- 7:00pm
- Thursday: 7:00am- 5:00pm
- Friday: 7:00am- 5:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am- 2:00pm
Map − Directions
We are next to BJ’s & behind Jiffy Lube on the ground floor of the Cavalier Club Apartments. Please use the map to find directions to our office. If you have any questions, please call us at 703-534-9160.
Serving Northern Virginia & the District of Columbia, Including:
Seven Corners • Falls Church • Arlington • McLean • Tysons • Alexandria • Annandale • Washington, D.C. & surrounding communities.
Our Office Is Located On The Border Of Falls Church & Arlington
Everlasting Dental Care welcomes our friends & neighbors in Arlington. Our office is located right on the border of Falls Church & Arlington! We have a long history of caring for the dental health of families in & around Arlington.