Abstract

Dentifrices are compositions used in conjunction with a toothbrush to remove stains from teeth and to leave the mouth feeling clean and refreshed after toothbrushing. A dentifrice has little to do with the control of dental plaque by toothbrushing; the toothbrush plays the primary role. In recent years dentifrices have become vehicles for the delivery of agents to fulfill specific therapeutic and cosmetic functions. These agents include fluoride, to inhibit the incidence of dental caries; pyrophosphates and zinc salts, to inhibit tartar formation; antimicrobial agents, to reduce plaque accumulation; and potassium nitrate, to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity.

Toothpaste, the most popular form of dentifrice, contains an abrasive, a humectant system, a surfactant, one or more gums or resins for cohesiveness and structure, flavor, color, and agents for specific effects. Two types of dentifrice predominate. One contains a relatively low level of an amorphous hydrated silica abrasive and a high level of humectant; the other has a high level of abrasive and a low level of humectant. Dental rinses are adjunctive to toothbrushing with dentifrice, and are discussed briefly. Tooth whiteners are on the market.