An average person normally consumes 2-3 meals in a day. This means that teeth serve a very function in our lives and if kept healthy and well maintained, they can last you your entire life.
To make sure that your teeth remain healthy it is important to keep them clean and free from any food debris which can be acted upon by bacteria that is naturally present in the oral cavity. Regular oral hygiene maintenance can also flush out this bacteria and in turn prevent it from acting on food debris
Dental products such as tooth pastes and mouth rinses play a very important role in doing that. Their contain ingredients which possess these special properties that can improve oral hygeine.
According to the American dental association (ADA) :
- All toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance must contain fluoride.
- Toothpastes may contain active ingredients to help decrease tooth sensitivity, whitening teeth, reducing gingivitis or tartar build-up, or preventing enamel erosion and bad breath.
- Flavoring agents that cause or contribute to tooth decay (e.g., sugar) should not be present in any ADA-Accepted toothpaste.
The Ingredients Present in a Regular Commercial Tooth Paste and Their Function
Anti-carious agents: Fluoride strengthens teeth to help prevent tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel in the early stages of tooth decay
Desensitizing agents: Toothpastes may contain active ingredients that reduce oral discomfort due to hypersensitivity. The most common ones being potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride.
Antimicrobial agents: Stannous fluoride helps reduce gingivitis. Pyrophosphates and zinc citrate help reduce the build-up of calculus (tartar). Many antibiotics are added to toothpaste for the treatment of oral/dental diseases. Triclosan is a common toothpaste ingredient which prevents gingivitis and reduces tartar and bad breath.
Other Ingredients That Toothpastes Typically Contain Include:
Abrasive agents: Modified silica abrasives or enzymes help clean the teeth and may help whiten teeth by physically removing surface stains
Detergents to create foaming action that also help dissolve plaque during brushing. They include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate.
Flavoring agents, and non-caloric sweeteners like saccharin to improve taste. Sugar or any other cariogenic ingredient is not permitted in any ADA-Accepted toothpaste.
Humectants, such as glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol, to help prevent water loss in the toothpaste.
Thickening agents or binders to stabilize the toothpaste formula.
As with all chemical products that have side effects and long term health hazards, tooth pastes have the same problem. That is why it is recommended to switch to natural and chemical free options.
There are many natural herbs and plants that have medicinal properties and have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Now they have been incorporated in dental tooth pastes to achieve toxic free natural benefits.
It has been observed that oral health could also be maintained with simple cooking ingredients such as (oil pulling) or rinsing with coconut oil which inhibits acid-producing oral bacteria. A mixture of Bentonite clay, salt, baking soda, stevia, essential oils, preferably peppermint, along with water, and coconut oil can provide the safest tooth cleaner in daily use and can be made easily at home. Baking soda and salt are known to be excellent tooth cleaners. Brushing regularly along with flossing, and minimizing a sugary diet can all result in good oral hygiene. Practicing healthy habits such as not smoking, not chewing betel nut or consuming excessive carbonated drinks, tea and coffee also contribute strongly to this goal Sugar in the diet is the main causative agent for dental diseases. A diet that is rich in nutrients and low in sugars and starch can keep teeth and gums healthy.
There are many natural toothpastes available in the market. One that is especially popular and known to be completely natural and free from any toxic ingredients is SprinJene.
SprinJene natural tooth paste has the following ingredients and their properties:
Black seed oil - Known to have excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Zinc- Helps control the growth of bacteria, plaque and tartar thereby promoting healthy gums. ADA Approved
Acacia gum - A natural organic binder
Xylitol and Stevia- non cariogenic natural sweeteners. Xylitol helps promote saliva production and prevents tooth decay. It is also ADA approved.
Coconut oil - Helps lubricate oral surfaces to bring comfort to dry mouth sufferers and may help to prevent tooth decay after some enzyme digestion.
Green apple and Mint extracts - Taste modifiers with cooling sensation.
Aqua - Solvent to solubilize salts. Formulation aid.
Silica- Natural abrasives to assist stain removal.
Glycerin - Glycerin is a non-carcinogenic and a Non-GMO humectant that helps protect our formulas against bacteria growth and keep the product moist.These ingredients offer alternate natural options instead of the commercial ones and serve the same function. This makes them the more viable option and safer for us, our families and the environment.