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A-Z Fundamentals of Dentifrice: Oral Health Benefits in a Tube

Course Number: 670

Colors/Visuals

Finally, coloring agents are added to provide dentifrice with pleasing colors. The opacity of a paste dentifrice comes from the addition of titanium dioxide. Dentifrices formulated without titanium dioxide result in the formation of a gel dentifrice, rather than an opaque paste. Mica is used to provide a sparkly appearance in some dentifrices, such as those marketed to children. A summary of dentifrice additives can be found in Table 3.

Table 3. Nontherapeutic Dentifrice Ingredients: Summarized Below are Common Dentifrice Ingredients and Their Functions.

ExamplesFunctions
HumectantsSorbitol, glycerinProvide flowability
Prevent dehydration
Prevent microbial growth
SolventsWaterProvide flowability
Solvate polar ingredients
Hydrate binders
AbrasivesHydrated silica, alumina, calcium carbonateRemove stains
Increase viscosity
SurfactantsSodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, poloxamer. Sodium HexametaphosphateCreate foam
Emulsify flavors
Clean
BuffersTrisodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrateMaintain pH to maximize stability and maintain efficacy
BindersXanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) carbomers, carrageenanProvide structure and thickening.
Flavors and SweetenersMenthol, peppermint, spearmint, green tea, sodium saccharinMask taste of unpleasant ingredients
Provide consumer acceptability
EmollientsGlycerin, Propylene GlycolRetain moisture
Soothing feel in mouth
Colors and VisualsTitanium dioxide, dyes, pigments, micaEnhance esthetics
BleachesPeroxide/Ca-Na CarbamideExtrinsic Stain removal