What's common between your toothpaste and deodorant?

Did you ever try to read the label on your toothpaste? Can’t understand a word! In most toothpastes there is much more than just flavors or whitening additives. Many toothpastes contain ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (foaming), baking soda, enzymes, vitamins and calcium.

So what does it all mean? What's in a toothpaste?

Let’s start with the most popular ingredient – Fluoride!

Fluoride is the most common active ingredient in most toothpastes. Fluoride prevents cavities and effects dental enamel and bones. Fluoride can be found in our water, and fluoride tablets are given to children in order to prevent future tooth decay and cavities. Although some groups disagree with mixing fluoride with drinking water, some dentists say that 50% of children between the ages 5 and 17 have never had a cavity because of fluoride in their tooth enamel.

Which ingredient can you find in your Toothpaste and your Deodorant? Triclosan!

Triclosan is a relatively new guest in the world of oral hygiene. Triclosan is used in deodorants for a very long time, but introduced to toothpastes only 15 years ago. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent, and Colgate discovered that triclosan can reduce the amount of bacteria in mouth when used for a long period of time.

If you want to get more information about your smile and oral health, please visit us at www.hansonplaceortho.com.