Have you ever taken a look at the ingredient list on your toothpaste or mouth rinse, and wondered, “What is all of this stuff for?” Well, our Orland Park dentists are here with answers! Today we are reviewing commonly used ingredients in dentistry: what they are and what they do.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a cleaning agent that, through abrasion, buffs away sticky plaque and dental debris. When you are using a formulation with calcium carbonate you may also notice fewer surface stains and discoloration.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar substitute that is used to improve the flavor of toothpastes. While sorbitol tastes sweet, it is not sugar, so it doesn’t encourage bacteria production in your mouth. Sorbitol makes toothpastes more palatable without increasing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Potassium Nitrate
Your teeth contain vulnerable nerves that are easily irritated by dental debris and oral bacteria. You will likely find potassium nitrate in oral hygiene products that are designed to minimize tooth and gum sensitivity.
Our Orland Park dentists are happy to answer any additional questions you may have about dental ingredients, and oral hygiene products in general. We look forward to speaking with you!