Q1. What is toothpaste made from?

A1. Toothpaste is made from a variety of ingredients which include:

• Abrasives such as calcium carbonate which remove stubborn stains and plaque.
• Fluoride
• Thickeners which holds all the ingredients together and gives it its characteristic texture, e.g. cellulose gum.
• Detergents which removes food debris and leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate.
• Humectants which gives toothpaste its texture e.g. glycerine.
• Flavouring e.g. cinnamon or mint.
• Colourings which make toothpaste look and taste great.
• Preservatives which stops the growth of bacteria.

Striped toothpaste is made from the combination of three separate colours. These colours are made in individual vats before being combined with white toothpaste via a filling machine. These three are then pumped into a toothpaste tube which results in those nice, even stripes you are familiar with.

FAQS Index:

Toothpaste FAQs

1. What is toothpaste made from?
2. Why do some brands of toothpaste cost more than others?
3. I have sensitive teeth; which is the best toothpaste for me?
4. Is there a particular type of toothpaste for smokers?
5. What are teeth whitening toothpastes

6. What is ‘fluorosis?’
7. How does toothpaste form part of a teeth cleaning routine?
8. Why are there so many different types of toothpaste?
9. Which is the best toothpaste to use?
10. Which is better: gel or toothpaste?