toothpaste

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of emulsifier/binding agents in toothpaste?

To hold all ingredients together and increase stability. (correct)

To create a foamy texture when brushing.

To enhance the whitening effect of the paste.

To prevent gingival inflammation.

Which of the following constitutes an active component in toothpaste?

Humectants

Foaming agents

Binding agents

Whitening agents (correct)

What is the primary purpose of humectants in toothpaste?

To keep the toothpaste moist. (correct)

To prevent plaque buildup.

To enhance the toothpaste's flavor.

To create foamy bubbles during brushing.

Which agent is commonly associated with creating the bubbly foam in toothpaste?

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Signup and view all the answers

What role do antimicrobial agents play in toothpaste?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using whitening toothpastes with increased abrasive action?

They may enhance sensitivity in some individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which agents are claimed to interfere with plaque mineralization and calculus formation?

Calcium Pyrophosphates and Sodium Hexametaphosphate Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding anti-calculus agents?

They significantly reduce calculus formation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the RDA value indicate in regards to toothpaste?

Relative dentine abrasion levels. Signup and view all the answers

When recommending a toothpaste to a patient, what should be taken into consideration?

The individual's dental health and any sensitivities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of toothpaste?

To promote oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical active ingredient found in toothpaste?

Sodium bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

What was a common component of early tooth powders used in Victorian Britain?

Pulverised brick Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for health care professionals to stay updated about toothpaste?

To recommend effective products to patients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options describes a potential risk associated with swallowing toothpaste?

It can cause dental fluorosis Signup and view all the answers

What role do non-active ingredients play in toothpaste?

They provide flavor and texture Signup and view all the answers

What was a dental hygiene product used in Ancient Egypt and Rome?

Tooth powders Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about commercial toothpastes is true?

They are constantly being updated with new varieties. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is NOT a commonly used preservative in toothpaste?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary benefits of adding sweeteners to toothpaste?

To enhance taste and mask other flavors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of flavorings in toothpaste?

To mask undesirable flavors Signup and view all the answers

Which active ingredient is primarily used in toothpaste to help prevent caries?

Sodium fluoride Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is commonly used as an abrasive in toothpaste?

Calcium carbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of coloring agents in toothpaste?

To make the product more attractive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sweeteners is commonly used in toothpaste?

Sorbitol Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended fluoride concentration for children aged 3-6 years?

1350 - 1500 p.p.m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main type of fluoride used in toothpastes?

Sodium Bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of de-sensitising agents added to many toothpastes?

To help with dentine sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which anti plaque agent works by preventing bacteria from producing a necessary enzyme?

Triclosan Signup and view all the answers

What fluoride concentration may be prescribed for very high-risk adults?

5000 p.p.m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a commonly used de-sensitising agent in toothpaste?

Potassium Nitrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of whitening agents in over-the-counter toothpastes?

Superficial stain removal Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended fluoride toothpaste concentration for children aged 0-3 years?

1000 p.p.m or higher Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Toothpastes

Aim: To understand toothpaste components and their role in patient care.
Intended learning outcomes:
- Understand toothpaste functions.
- Understand the role of non-active ingredients.
- Understand the role of active ingredients in patient treatment and care.
What is a Toothpaste?:
- A paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain teeth.
- Promotes oral hygiene.
- Contains an abrasive to remove plaque and food.
- Aids in removing superficial staining.
- Delivers active ingredients (e.g., fluoride) to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Salt and sodium bicarbonate are sometimes used as substitutes.
- Large amounts can be toxic.
History:
- Toothpastes came into general use in 19th-century Britain as tooth powders.
- Use dates back to Ancient Egypt and Rome.
- Early toothpowders in Victorian Britain contained salt, pulverized brick, chalk, and coal.
Evolution of Toothpastes:
- Toothpastes have evolved dramatically over the years with many varieties constantly being updated.
Toothpaste Market:
- The market can be confusing for patients due to advertising and influence from others.
- Health care professionals need to stay updated with current trends to guide patients.
Functions:
- Prevent and reduce caries by applying fluoride to the teeth.
- Assist in removing plaque and superficial stains.
- Prevent gingival inflammation with antimicrobials.
- Achieve desensitizing action with desensitizing agents.
- Improve appearance with whitening agents.
- Increase confidence by improving breath.
- Make toothbrushing more pleasurable.
Toothpaste Constituents:
- Divided into active and non-active ingredients.
Non-Active Constituents:
- Emulsifier/Binding agents (1-5%): Hold ingredients together, preventing separation. (Examples: Carrageenates, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, colloidal silica, and acacia gum)
- Detergents/Foaming agents (1-2%): Create foam to loosen debris; can cause dryness. (Examples: Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate)
- Humectants (10-30%): Keep toothpaste moist. (Examples: water, glycerin, and propylene glycol)
- Preservatives (0.05-1%): Prevent bacterial contamination to increase shelf life.(Examples: alcohol, benzoates, and phenols)
- Sweeteners : Non-fermentable sugars to enhance taste. (Examples: sorbitol, saccharin, and xylitol)
- Flavorings : Mask other tastes. (Examples: peppermint, spearmint, aniseed, eucalyptus, lemon, and menthol)
- Coloring agents: Make paste more eye-catching. (Examples: chlorophyll and titanium dioxide)
- Polishing agents/Abrasives (20-40%): Have a mild abrasive action to remove superficial stains. (Examples: calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, silica particles, sodium chloride, zirconium silicate, calcium pyrophosphate, and hydrated alumina)
Active Constituents:
- Fluoride is the most common active ingredient (in over 95% of toothpastes).
  - Helps prevent caries by making tooth surfaces resistant to acid attack and encouraging remineralization.
    - Different Types of Fluoride include: Sodium monofluorophosphate, Sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride.
- Recommended fluoride levels vary by age group (smear, pea-size, regular).
- Anti-calculus agents: Little evidence of their effectiveness; claimed to interfere with plaque mineralization. (Examples: Calcium pyrophosphates and sodium hexametaphosphate).
- De-sensitising agents: Help with dentine sensitivity (affecting over 50% of adults). (Examples: Strontium chloride, Potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, sodium citrate, strontium acetate, calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamin))
- Anti-plaque/antimicrobial agents: Help restrict plaque biofilm formation (e.g., Triclosan, Zinc Citrate Trihydrate, Chlorhexidine, Sodium Ricoleate).
- Whitening agents: Often minimal effect; mainly remove superficial stains. (Examples: Charcoal, Sodium Bicarbonate, Silica, Carbamide Peroxide)
Advice to patients:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Fluoride amount should consider age, risk factors, and other fluoride sources.
- Use a spit and don't rinse technique.
Class Work:
- Investigate abrasiveness of products.
- Identify SLS-free products and when to recommend these.
- Determine availability of natural/herbal toothpastes and whether they are fluoride-free.
- Evaluate considerations when recommending toothpastes to patients.