Toothpaste revision notes quiz

Toothpaste Constituents

• Non-active ingredients:

  • Emulsifiers/binding agents (1-5%): Hold all ingredients together, prevent separation of components, increase stability and shelf life.
  • Detergents/foaming agents (1-2%): Create foam to loosen debris, distribute paste, achieve mouth dryness. Examples include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate.
  • Alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, acacia gum: Used in toothpaste formulations.
  • Humectants (10-30%): Maintain moisture, prevent hardening. Examples include water, glycerine, propylene glycol.
  • Preservatives (0.05-1%): Prevent contamination by bacteria, maintain purity and shelf-life. Examples include alcohol, benzoates, phenols.

• Active ingredients:

  • Fluoride: Prevent caries, encourages remineralization, available in different concentrations based on age. (sodium monofluorophosphate, Sodium fluoride, Stannous fluoride).
  • Desensitizing agents: Aid with dentine sensitivity, block dentine tubules, examples: strontium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate.
  • Whitening agents: Minimal effects, possible superficial stain removal. Examples include charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, silica, carbamide peroxide.
  • Anti-plaque/microbial agents: Helps restrict formation/development of plaque biofilm, prevent bacteria from producing certain enzymes. Examples include triclosan, zinc citrate trihydrate, chlorhexidine, sodium ricioleate.
  • Anti-calculus/tartar agents: Very limited evidence, supposed to interfere with plaque mineralisation, no effect on established calculus formation. Examples include calcium pyrophosphates, sodium hexametaphosphate.

Functions of Toothpaste

• Prevent and reduce caries: Apply fluoride to dentition.
• Assist in plaque and superficial stain removal.
• Prevent gingival inflammation: Include antimicrobials.
• Achieve desensitizing action: Include desensitizing agents.
• Improve appearance: Inclusion of whitening agents.
• Improve breath: Increase confidence.
• Make tooth brushing more pleasurable: Create a more enjoyable experience.

Fluoride Advice for Patients

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Fluoride amount: Based on age, risk factors, and other fluoride sources.
• Spit, don't rinse: Technique for optimal fluoride absorption.

Sweeteners

• Non-fermentable sugars: Sweeteners including xylitol, sorbitol, and saccharin.

Flavouring agents

• Masks flavor of other ingredients.
• Makes paste palatable and pleasant.
• Examples include peppermint, spearmint, aniseed, eucalyptus, lemon, and menthol.

Colouring agents

• Chlorophyll and titanium dioxide are examples for adding color.
• Enhance visual appeal.

Polishing/Abrasive Agents

• Mild abrasive action: Helps control superficial stains.
• Examples include calcium carbonate, silica particles, sodium chloride, zirconium silicate, and calcium pyrophosphate.

Children's Toothpaste Dosage

• Children 0-3 years: Smear size, 1000ppm+ fluoride
• Children 3-6 years: Pea-sized, 1350-1500ppm fluoride
• Children over 6 & adults: Pea-sized, 1350-1500ppm fluoride
• Children 10+ years: High caries risk, prescribed 2800ppm or more fluoride.

Explore the various constituents of toothpaste, including both active and non-active ingredients. Learn about emulsifiers, humectants, fluoride, and desensitizing agents that contribute to oral health. This quiz delves into the functions and significance of each component in toothpaste formulation.