COLGATE PLAX MOUTHWASH

Active Ingredients:
Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.075%
Sodium Fluoride 0.05%
Inactive Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Poloxamer 407, Flavor, Potassium Sorbate, Citric
Acid, Sodium Saccharin, FD&C Blue 1.
Formula
C21H38ClN
NaF
Structure

Mode of Ingredients
Colgate® Plax Alcohol Free Mouthwash contains 0.075% Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), which
provides clinically proven 12-hour protection against bacteria and plaque.
Where it came from?
cetyl- means cetyl group, which derives from cetyl alcohol that was first isolated from the whale
oil (Latin: cetus); pyridinium refers to the cation [C5H5NH] +, the conjugate acid of pyridine;
chloride refers to the anion Cl−
Sodium chloride: found naturally in huge geologic deposits of salt minerals left over from the
slow evaporation of ancient seawater.

Precautions
  Do not use if you have painful or swollen gums, pus from the gum line, losse teeth or
increased spacing between the teeth. See your dentist immediately. These may be signs
of periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.
 Adults and children 12 years of age and older – vigorously swish 20 ml between teeth
for 30 seconds then spit out; do not swallow children under 12 years old – consult a
doctor
 Store at room temperature (59 – 77 degrees F)

Other uses
CPC is a well-known, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used in over-the-counter rinses to
promote gingival health.
Sodium fluoride is used as an insecticide. It is also used to fluorinate water supplies, as a wood
preservative, in cleaning compounds, manufacture of glass, and for many other uses.
How it affects the environment?
CPC: When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of /nitrogen oxides and hydrogen
chloride.
NaF: The groundwater is more susceptible to fluoride accumulation and contamination than are
other environmental media, primarily because of its contact with geological substrates
underneath.

All of the chemicals are biodegradable.

Naturally or synthetically?
Its salt form, cetylpyridinium chloride, is typically found as an active ingredient in
mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays.
Sodium Fluoride is an inorganic salt of fluoride used topically or in municipal water fluoridation
systems to prevent dental caries.

Alternatives
1. Using Tea Tree Oil
2. Alcohol Free Oral Rinse with Essential Oils
3. A simple solution of baking powder and water would do