Are there good ingredients or bad ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash?

i read that some toothpastes are too abrasive and other ingredients.  I bought toms maine mouthwash but found it burned.  no alcohol but maybe witch hazel is the problem? what ingredients should i look for in my toothpase or mouthwash?
L.P.  

2 answers to “Are there good ingredients or bad...”

A: In toothpastes, I would avoid silica. It is abrasive and...

Irwin Smigel, DDS

In toothpastes, I would avoid silica. It is abrasive and can wear away teeth structure. Calcium Peroxide is an excellent and safe whitening agent. Look for it in toothpastes. With mouthwashes, I would be wary of excess alcohol. There are fears that too much alcohol, particularly with smokers, can have a... more

A: Most toothpastes are basically flavored detergents...

Gerry Curatola, DDS

Most toothpastes are basically flavored detergents invented by soap manufacturers over 100 years ago. Recent studies show that using these oral products can destabilize the very important natural microflora of the mouth called the oral biofilm. Products that contain detergents like sodium laurel sulfate, and... more

Comments

ruthwrite
1 post
20 Jan 2008

Mouthwashes are promoted as a method to cleanse the mouth and overcome objectionable odors. Claims for such abilities have not been proven. Among dthe ingredients used in mouthwashes are sodium bicarbonate, alcohohol, mixed with flavoring oils, cinnamon, methyl salicylate, menthol, anethole, thyme, certified colors, resorcinol, sorbitol, urea, boric acid, propylene glycol, cetylpyridinium, dchloride and chlorophylin. Several of the above ingredients, particuarly the colorings and the flavorings, are common allergens. Resorcinol is a resin and methyl salicylate is related to aspirin and other salicylates. Most dentifrices contain binders, abrasives, sudsers, humectants, flavors, unique additives and liquids. The most popular toothpastes contain sodium fluoride, calcium pyrophoshate, glycerin, sorbitol and a blend surfactants (to spread out and increase ingredient penetration.) Some compaints to the FDA about dentrifrices include sore mouth and gums, tooth enamel worn away, sore tongue, and sloughing of mucous membranes. If you should have such a reaction to your dentifrice, you should report it to the FDA for the sake of others.

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