Toothpaste has various uses, such as freshening the breath, helping to prevent oral problems including halitosis, whitening the teeth and helping with overall teeth cleanliness. However, it is interesting that it can be easily made at home using basic ingredients and a simple procedure.
How was toothpaste made in the past?
According to ancient records, the first toothpaste was made by the ancient Egyptians (c. 3,000‑5,000 BC), using the ashes from burnt oxen hooves or egg shells. The ashes were converted into powdered form and then combined with pumice.
This combination was primarily meant to remove the accumulated debris from the surface of the teeth. It is believed that water was added to this mixture to form a paste before use.
What are the constituents of toothpaste?
Currently, toothpaste serves two basic functions – therapeutic and preventive. In general, American Dental Association-approved toothpaste contains fluoride and other active ingredients which serve specific functions such as tooth whitening, plaque removal, minimizing gingivitis, and preventing halitosis (bad breath) and tooth erosion.
Active ingredients that are typically found within approved toothpaste brands include:
- Anti-caries agents (e.g. fluoride) which enhances the dental remineralization process and helps repair early tooth decay,
- Antihypersensitivity agents – including potassium salts, stannous fluoride, amorphous calcium phosphate, casein phosphopeptide, and calcium sodium phosphosilicate – which help to minimize tooth sensitivity,
- Antimicrobial agents such as stannous fluoride, triclosan, and zinc citrate, which help to prevent the accumulation of plaque.
