DENTIFRICES

Dentifrices aid in cleaning and polishing tooth

surfaces. They are used mostly in the form of
pastes, although tooth powders and gels are
also available.

Dentifrices are made up of

abrasives (e.g., silicon oxides, aluminum
oxides, and granular polyvinyl chlorides),
water, humectants, soap or detergent,
flavoring and sweetening agents, therapeutic
agents (e.g., fluorides, pyrophosphates),
coloring agents, and preservatives
.

Dentin is abraded 25 times faster and cementum 35 times faster than

enamel, so root surfaces are easily worn away, leading to notching and tooth
sensitivity.
The pronounced caries-preventive effect of fluorides incorporated in dentifrices has
been proved beyond question. Fluoride ion must be available in the amount of 1000
to 1100 parts per million (ppm) to achieve caries reduction effects.

“Calculus control toothpastes,” also referred to as “tartar control toothpastes,”

contain pyrophosphates and have been shown to reduce the deposition of new
calculus on teeth. These ingredients interfere with crystal formation in calculus but
do not affect the fluoride ion in the paste or increase tooth sensitivity. Dentifrice with
pyrophosphates has been shown to reduce the formation of new supragingival
calculus by 30% or more.