IMRAD Format –Science Investigatory Project 2016

Southernside Montessori School

Camella Homes IV, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, 1776

Utilization of Chico (Manilkara Zapota) as

tartar remover and flavor enhancer for
toothpaste

Researchers:
Marielle Romina MANAPAT, Julian Nadine BACARON, Luigi
CRUZ, Ray Marc ENRIQUEZ, Marq Rotsen OLITOQUIT, and John
Rafael MADERA
SIP Adviser:
Mr. Jason B. Albaro
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1. INTRODUCTION

The problem nowadays is that the prices of products are getting higher and

higher. Most people are not visiting their dentist for a regular check up and aren’t

brushing their teeth three times a day or more than that. That is why the researcher

thought of something that will make their lives easier, which will also encourage every

person to take good care of their teeth. Since the product that the researcher will be

making is toothpaste, which is a necessity of all people, they will keep buying it despite

its price because they need it on a daily basis. The researcher is proposing a solution to

lessen the expense of people especially those who are in a tight budget but still maintain

the quality high end toothpaste can give. The organic toothpaste we will be making is

much cheaper than the typical ones we find in the market. It is made up of all natural

ingredients that will not be harmful to our health. Unlike other toothpastes that have

harsh and high amount of chemical content, ours will be safe to use but will still be

effective as well. The researcher’s product aims to give the people the right worth of the

price they are paying for that is why the researcher ensures the effectiveness of the

toothpaste without spending too much.

The researcher’s primary goal is to innovate a product that would be beneficial

and has high market value. The researcher's objective is to show people that we do not

need to spend too much money on toothpastes that have high amounts of harsh

chemicals that might poison ourselves when it came on contact in our ingestion and

when we consumed too much. The researcher’s objective is to make effective

toothpaste with chico as a flavor enhancer. The researcher's organic toothpaste is

cheaper than the other leading brands; but the same effectiveness will be shown. The

researcher's toothpaste also aims to promote using ingredients that are locally found in
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the researcher's country. The flavor is unique since it’s made up of chico and mint (which

is a natural breath freshener) and Filipinos are already familiar with the taste of chico.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1. Materials and Instrumentation

Peppermint Leaves for Chico as a flavor enhancer Coconut Oil used to get

the minty effect in the mouth and for teeth whitening the desired consistency

Salt for strengthening the teeth and Baking Soda as a cleaning ingredient which

make the teeth more resistant to decay breaks the substance that’s not soluble

The ingredients the researcher will be using are chicos, baking soda, peppermint

extract, sea salt and coconut oil (optional). Chico is used as a natural flavoring and
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without it, the toothpaste will not taste good and people will not be encouraged to buy it.

This fruit is also rich in calcium and phosphorus that can help strengthen teeth and

prevent cavities. The baking soda is effective for teeth whitening which can be a good

component of toothpaste. The peppermint extract will leave a minty finish in the

consumer’s mouths that will make the consumers feel more refreshed and clean and will

also add flavor to the toothpaste. The sea salt has few traces of nutrients that will help

remove tartar and bacteria and can even whiten the teeth as time passes by since salt

will help the mouth produce more saliva and the saliva will create an antibacterial barrier

to protect the whole mouth. The coconut oil has stain-decreasing properties and can

remove bacteria in the surface that causes teeth to become yellow. If the peppermint

extract isn’t available on the nearest stores, peppermint essential oil can be used as an

alternative instead of peppermint extract and coconut oil. Only a bowl, jar or any

container and a spoon is needed in making this product.

2.2 Research Locale

This can be done inside the chemistry laboratory if allowed. If not, then the

researchers will perform the product anywhere else since that the process of making

their product isn’t that complicated and doesn’t require special tools in order to make

one. And for the sources of the researcher’s materials, chicos and baking soda can be

seen in every supermarket, even in home, just like the sea salt but chicos mostly can be

found around the area of Batangas in a very low, affordable price especially during its

season. Peppermint extract or peppermint essential oil aren’t that easy to find,

considering that they are already out of stock in some of the stores (most common in

bakeshops) and rarely re-stock them since that their demands aren’t that high compared

to others.
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2.3 Methods

2.3.1 Extraction of Peppermint Leaves

There are two methods in order to get the extract from the peppermint

leaves; it is the distillation method and the alcohol method. Distillation method is

used to convert liquid to vapour then condense it to make it liquid again. This way

we can get the oil from the leaves. However, Alcohol method is done by simply

putting your peppermint leaves in a jar full of vodka for 3-5 weeks. Get about 2-3

packed of peppermint leaves which can be brought from different grocery.

Separate the dried leaves since that it will not be needed or used. Smash the

leaves lightly so that they will release their oils and use enough amount of vodka,

around 300mL to submerge all of the leaves. Cover the jar with a tight-fitting lid

and shake it occasionally. When it reached the depth of preferred flavor, strain

the leaves from the extract and that’s how to get the extract of peppermint

leaves.

Separate the dried leaves Put the fresh (smashed) leaves Add vodka in it and let

after smashing them in the container it be for 3-4 weeks

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2.3.2 Extraction of Chico

For extraction of chico, use a juicer. This kitchen appliance is used for

getting the juice from a specific fruit or vegetable and can help extract the fruit

juice easier (in some circumstances). Slice the 4-5 chicos in half before getting

its extract. The researchers will just simply squeeze the 4-5 chicos in order to get

its extract, which is also considered to be easy and doesn’t even require any

kitchen appliances.
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Slice 4-5 chicos in half Get the extract by using a juicer or

simply squeezing it

2.3.3 Making the toothpaste

The ingredients in making organic toothpaste are; fine sea salt to

strengthen the teeth. Baking soda which will act as a surfactants and cleaning

ingredient that will make the toothpaste foamy-like and will break down the

soluble particles food left inside the mouth. Water and coconut oil are also

needed to get the desired consistency of the toothpaste. Peppermint extract to

add a minty and fresh flavor until it reached the preferred flavoring and Chico

extract that will act as the main ingredient in making this organic toothpaste.

First, add 2-3 cups of baking soda and 1 table spoon of fine sea salt in

your container. A half of tablespoon of coconut is enough, more than 1

tablespoon will ruin the scent and the taste of the toothpaste. Also add 1

tablespoon of peppermint extract only; making the toothpaste taste minty is

enough, it doesn’t have to surpass the flavor that the chico extract has in the

toothpaste. Pour in 1-2 tablespoon of chico extract in and mix them thoroughly.

Add a little water at a time, stirring after each addition, until it reached the desired

consistency.
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Gather the ingredients

Add
baking soda
then fine sea salt

Add a little amount of

Pour in the peppermint
Mix them thoroughly; Add water

Coconut oil
and chico extract
and stir it continuously

3.

RESULTS

3.1. Tabular Representation

Table 1: Statistical data of the amount of Chico Extract tested

Control Scent Taste Consistency Effect

There is a It tastes like Chico It has more of a The visible tartar is

dominant smell of water like effectively removed

100% Chico
Chico consistency. after brushing.
Extract
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It has the scent of It is less sweeter It still has a liquid It helps make the

Chico with a than the actual like consistency. teeth look whiter
75% Chico
distinct smell of the taste of Chico and fresher.
Extract
peppermint

It has both the It is still sweet but It has a balanced It lightens the teeth

scent of with a distinct taste consistency; not after several

50% Chico
peppermint and of peppermint too watery and not brushes.
Extract
the vodka used too thick.

It smells like It tastes minty It has a thick It makes your

peppermint extract because of the consistency if mouth feel fresher.

25% Chico
peppermint extract there’s less chico
Extract
extract used.

Table 2: Comparison of the amount of ingredients used in making toothpaste

TRIAL AMOUNT OF CHICO AMOUNT OF AMOUNT OF AMOUNT OF

EXTRACT PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL BAKING

EXTRACT (COCONUT) OIL SODA

1 2 TBSP. 1 TBSP. 1 TSPN. ½ CUP

2 3 TBSP. ½ TBSP. ½ TSPN. 1 CUP

3 2 TBSP. 1 TSPN. ¼ TSPN. 2 CUP

4 1 TBSP. 1 TSPN. ½ TSPN. ½ CUP

5 1-2 TBSP. 1 TSPN. ¼ TSPN 2-3 CUPS

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Table 3: Time of effectiveness of toothpaste

TRIAL TIME OF EFFECTIVENESS

1 14 Minutes
2 20 Minutes
3 15 Minutes
4 25 Minutes
5 31 MInutes

Table 4: Summarized Result of the Survey among 20 people who tested the toothpaste several times

Question: Agree Disagree

1.) Is the toothpaste

effective in removing
16 respondents 4 respondents
tartar?
2.) Did the toothpaste gave

you a fresher and minty

18 respondents 2 respondents
feeling in your mouth?
3.) Is the toothpaste being

tasted has a good

14 respondents 6 respondents
taste/flavour?
4.) Does it have a pleasant

smell?
17 respondents 3 respondents

5.) Is the toothpaste

effective in whitening
12 respondents 8 respondents
the teeth?
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4. DISCUSSION

Based on the product of the researchers, they found out that the factors of the

toothpaste such as its scent, flavor, consistency and effect depends on the amount of

chico extract they put in order to make the toothpaste itself. The amount of chico extract

matters here the most, considering that it is the main ingredient used in making this

toothpaste. According to the researchers, the 25% of chico extract makes the toothpaste

smells like peppermint extract (rather than chico), making it tastes minty and makes your

mouth feel fresher. It also makes the toothpaste’s consistency become thick considering

that only a little amount of extract is used in there. The scent of the toothpaste is still the

same when 50% amount of chico extract used; the only difference is that the effect of

the other ingredients start to show signs of teeth whitening after using it for a few weeks.

You can now taste the chico and peppermint extract added in this toothpaste and its

consistency is now balanced; not too watery, not too thick. On the 75%, a mixed smell of

peppermint and chico extract are combined along with its taste, of course. Its minty taste

goes as well with its effect of making the teeth whiter and fresher unlike the 25% and

50% of chico extract in it. Lastly, the 100% of chico extract obviously makes the taste of

the toothpaste dominant of chico flavor, along with its smell too. It becomes more

effective in whitening and keeping the tartar away since that a 100% of chico extract is

visible on this product.

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Aside from that, after a few trials, the researchers finally get the right amount of

ingredients they’ll put in the toothpaste. The right amount where it wouldn’t make the

toothpaste’s smell, taste and consistency surpass the other ingredient. The researchers

already have tested the toothpaste to 20 respondents who either approves or

disapproves their product; but mostly of them have approved which is a good thing for

them. On the last trial of the toothpaste’s effectiveness, it only lasts for around 31

minutes without using any ingredients that have chemicals just like the ordinary

commercial toothpaste.

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the data the researchers have gathered, they have found out that using

chico extract as flavor with peppermint extract that will contribute to its minty and sweet

taste is effective in making a toothpaste. There are different types of toothpaste such as

the whitening toothpaste, herbal and natural toothpaste. However, the researchers

should not forget about the scope and limitations of their main ingredient, the chico,

knowing that this is a seasonal fruit which can be harvested after 4 to 6 months of

flowering around February to April and October to December and only bears fruit at least

two times a year. Because of this, it limits the amount of chicos to be produced around

the world, not only around the countries where there are many plantations of chico are.

The researches will harvest those chicos during its seasonal time in order for them to

produce the product. It should be used immediately and should be stored in lower

temperatures for it usually rots after 2 weeks at normal summer temperature and

humidity. Aside from that, the researchers should find a way to make the storage of their
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product stay edible for a long amount of time by adding more possible ingredients that

would help in maintaining the storage life.

The researchers should innovate another flavor; probably will look for another

fruit or flavor that would go well with chico just like what they did to the peppermint

extract. It would be nice and catchy to the eyes of the buyers if they will get to see or find

out about the possible new flavors of toothpaste.