International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences 2017; 3(4): 352-355

ISSN Print: 2394-7489

ISSN Online: 2394-7497
IJADS 2017; 3(4): 352-355 Dentifrices: An overview from past to present
© 2017 IJADS
www.oraljournal.com
Received: 25-08-2017 Dr. Songa Vajra Madhuri and Dr. Lahari Buggapati
Accepted: 26-09-2017
Dr. Songa Vajra Madhuri Abstract
Associate Professor, Government The health of the teeth and gums are maintained by cleaning of teeth regularly. Plaque is the main
Dental College and Hospital etiological factor for causing tooth decay, bad breath and gingival/periodontal diseases leading to tooth
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, loss [1], so we need an agent which removes plaque. From the ancient days agents either in the form of
India powder, paste, or gel are in practice. This article mainly concentrates on evolution of tooth paste from
past to present.
Dr. Lahari Buggapati
Assistant Professor, Government
Keywords: Dentifrices, gingival, periodontal
Dental College and Hospital
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh,
India Introduction
The history of dentifrices is a striking example of the persistent changes and preparations
containing harmful substances known by the medical professionals [2]. Damocrates, a Greek
physician, considered cleanliness as the indispensable condition for avoiding disease of the
teeth and gums. In any case the covering or removal of unwholesome breath was undoubtedly
an important objective, as practically all formulas included one or more flavouring agents.
Humans have been using tooth pastes for several centuries which involved some primitive
materials like ashes made from ox hooves, myrrh, burnt egg shells and pumice which were
mixed with water.

Evolution of dentifrices
By 1900, a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda was recommended for use with
toothbrushes. Pre-mixed toothpastes were first marketed in the 19th century, but did not
surpass the popularity of tooth-powder until World War I [3, 4].
First lead/tin alloy tubes were used in 1914, the most prolific component fluoride was
introduced in the same year. During World War 2 there is a shortage of lead/tin — and this
lead to the development of plastic tubes [3, 4].
During the first third of the 20th century the relative importance of the various types of
dentifrices has undergone considerable changes. Liquids or solutions have been sharply
differentiated into those intended to whiten the teeth and into the antiseptic mouth washes. The
first class of tooth pastes have shown that many of these contain the mineral acids like
hydrochloric and sulphuric acids that are distinctly harmful to the teeth. Less objectionable are
those which contain the organic or so-called fruit acids. Mouth washes containing various
antiseptic ingredients have been extensively advertised and sold but it is now recognized that
only extremely active disinfectants can be expected to have any action on the oral bacteria
under the conditions of use. These preparations are popular for the purpose of improving the
bad breath and removing the bad taste. The modern toothpaste or cream, welcomed on account
of its convenience, palatability and stability, rapidly became a best seller. The first
preparations of this type contained the more severe abrasives that contain tricalcium
phosphate, other abrasives which have been considered are magnesium phosphate, calcium
fluoride, barium sulphate, silica, calcium and magnesium sulphates, etc. These and many
others have been investigated and the majority abandoned for various reasons as they were not
Correspondence suitable for continued use.
Dr. Lahari Buggapati Fluoride toothpaste became the standard during the late 1950’s and 1960’s. And from the
Assistant Professor, Government
Dental College and Hospital
1980’s to the present day have seen all kinds of additions — gels, whitening agents, toothpaste
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, for sensitive teeth and so on. Tanagra, containing calcium fluoride as the active ingredient, was
India sold by Karl F. Toellner Company, of Bremen, Germany, based upon the early work of chemist
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Albert Deninger [5]. An analogous invention by Roy Cross, into fluorapatite [6].
of Kansas City, Missouri, was initially criticized by The most recent advances in toothpastes have included the
the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1937. Fluoride development of whitening toothpastes, and toothpaste
toothpastes developed in the 1950s received the ADA's containing Triclosan which provides extra protection against
approval. To develop the first ADA-approved fluoride caries, gum disease, plaque, calculus and bad breath.
toothpaste, Procter & Gamble started a research program in The new BioMinF toothpaste ingredient provides a new tooth
the early 1940s. In 1950, Procter & Gamble developed a joint repair technology which will bring relief to the millions of
research project team headed by Dr. Joseph Muhler at Indiana adults and children around the world who are prone to tooth
University to study new toothpaste with fluoride. In 1955, decay and sensitivity. Toothpastes containing BioMInF are
Procter & Gamble's Crest launched its first clinically able to slowly release calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions
proven fluoride-containing toothpaste. On August 1, 1960, the over an 8-12 hour timeframe to form fluorapatite mineral to
ADA reported that "Crest has been shown to be an effective rebuild, strengthen and protect tooth structure. The slow
anticavity (decay preventative) dentifrice that can be of release of fluoride has been identified to be particularly
significant value when used in a conscientiously applied beneficial in prevention of tooth decay.
program of oral hygiene and regular professional care." Toothpastes today typically contain fluoride, colouring
In 2006 Bio Repair appeared in Europe with the first agents, flavouring agents, sweeteners as well as ingredients
toothpaste containing synthetic hydroxyl apatite as an that make the toothpaste a smooth paste, foam and stay moist.
alternative to fluoride for the remineralization and reparation Individual toothpastes also may contain special ingredients,
of tooth enamel. The "biomimetic hydroxyl apatite" is such as triclosan in Colgate Total. Toothpaste in tubes is used
intended to protect the teeth by creating a new layer of throughout the world and has been a very successful
synthetic enamel around the tooth instead of hardening the invention.
existing layer with fluoride that chemically changes it

Year Dentifrice Used Properties

3000- 5000 BC Dental cream which comprised of powdered ashes from
Terrible taste with minimal level of tooth cleaning.
(Ancient Egyptians) oxen hooves, myrrh, egg shells, pumice, and water
Around 5000 BC Tooth powder with abrasives like crushed bones and
More cleaning power with bad taste
(Greece & Rome) oyster shells.
500 BC (China & Flavouring agents like ginseng, herbal mints and salt were
Tooth powder and paste as well.
India) added to enhance the taste.
Until 1800’s Crude powder or pastes were used --
Added cleanliness. Soap was later replaced by sodium lauryl
1824 A dentist named Peabody added soap to toothpaste.
sulfate to create a smooth paste.
New and improved form of tooth powder. the tooth This was supplied in the form of a cake from which one
1868
tablet tablet at a time, sufficient for one brushing, could be broken.
Tooth soaps, made by adding about one-third by volume of
End of 19th century Tooth soaps were introduced
powdered soap to an ordinary tooth powder.
Colgate started commercial mass production which was These pastes still used fairly abrasive ingredients, which
1873
sold in a jar. definitely scrapes away the bad stuff.
Tooth paste in a collapsible tube by Dr. Washington
1892 Similar to today’s version tooth paste.
Sheffield
1914 Fluoride is added to the tooth paste. Decreased dental cavities.
1950 Fluoride tooth paste was approved by ADA. --
Alternative to cleaning teeth without fluoride. These
1975 Herbal tooth paste such as Tom’s became available. toothpastes include ingredients like peppermint oil, myrrh
and plant extracts.
Invented by NASA so astronauts could brush their teeth
1987 Edible tooth paste was invented.
without spitting into a zero-gravity abyss.
1989 Rembrandt invented first whitening tooth paste. --
First tooth paste containing hydroxyl apatite as an
2006 Creates a new layer of synthetic enamel around the tooth.
alternative to fluoride.

Dentifrice [7] commonly contains the following ingredients substances and decrease surface tension, there by
1. Abrasives: These are added to clean the teeth and to emulsify and remove debris with their foaming action,
remove the stains. The cleaning power of abrasive sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl sarcoside are some
depends on the type and amount of abrasive particles, of the commonly used detergents.
surface it contacts, dilution by saliva and brushing 5. Thickening agent/Binding agent: These are hydrophilic
pressure. Commonly used abrasives are silica or hydrated colloids which disperse or swell in the presence of water
silica, hydrated aluminium oxides, calcium carbonate, and are used to stabilise dentifrice formulations by
brushite and gibbsite. preventing the separation of solid and liquid phases. Eg:
2. Water: It acts as a solvent and dissolves ingredients natural gums (Arabic, karaya and tragacanth), the
allowing them to be mixed. seaweed colloids (alginates), synthetic celluloses
3. Humectants: These act as moisturizing agents and (carboxy methyl cellulose).
protect dentifrice from drying up during storage. 6. Flavouring agent: Various natural and artificial
Commonly used humectants are glycerine, sorbitol, flavouring agents such as mint, pepper mint, spear mint
propylene glycol and paraffin oil [8]. and winter green and sweeteners such as saccharine,
4. Detergent /surfactant: They act as surface active acesulfame K, aspartame and xylitol have been added to
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improve the taste. Future of dentrifices [12]

7. Therapeutic agent: These are active components added Nanotechnology [13] dentifrice, there will be the use of nano
to the dentifrice to reduce caries, inhibit tartar formation, robots that will interact with the human body to clean the
help in desensitization and have an antimicrobial and teeth. These devices would also identify food particles,
anti-inflammatory action. Eg: Fluoride, triclosan, plaque, or tartar, and lift them from teeth to be rinsed away.
strontium chloride etc. Solar toothbrush14 of the future may replace dentifrice.
8. Colouring agent and preservatives According to the manufacturers, the solar toothbrush will
remove plaque even if dentifrice is not used; meaning that if
Classification of tooth pastes [9, 10] the innovation ever catches on, it could shake up the oral care
There is an established toothpaste classification based on industry.
certain characteristics of the active ingredients. The £10 dentifrice that can 'rebuild' teeth: Unilever has
1. For caries prevention and treatment: Toothpaste used unveiled new dentifrice (Regenerate) and it claims can
as a local fluoride source has the best ability to inhibit the regenerate 82per cent of tooth enamel after just three days of
development of caries (19-27% reduction of caries), use. The company claims this has the effect of restoring teeth
providing remineralization of enamel. to their original whiteness while making them much stronger,
2. For periodontal disease prevention and treatment: which means they are less likely to develop cavities. The
The first rule is insured by a mechanical cleaning of the technology requires the use of a ‘Boosting Serum’ treatment,
teeth, but in order to prevent bacterial growth, which is applied using two custom-fit mouth trays. The two
manufacturers add various antiseptic and antibacterial key ingredients in the dentifrice are calcium silicate and
substances to toothpaste – triclosan, chlorhexidine, sodium phosphate
hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, Povidone Iodine, zinc In Ireland researchers of Athlone Institute of Technology
citrate and others. Pyrophosphates [11], zinc citrate and (AIT) have found that growth of harmful bacteria can be
zinc chloride are used to remove the tartar formed on the inhibited effectively by coconut oil and thus can prevent tooth
teeth. They stabilize the amount of calcium in saliva and decay and oral infections. Hence Coconut might make the
interfere with the crystalline structure of calculus. perfect dentifrice of the future.
3. For treatment of sensitive teeth: Analgesic toothpastes,
tooth pastes containing potassium saline maintain a high Conclusion
K+ extracellular level, thus preventing re-polarization of As Dr. Grater said “A clean mouth will lead to clean body.”
the nerve cell membrane and inhibiting the transmission One cannot be healthy without oral health, oral health and
of impulses without causing changes in the pulp. general health should not be interpreted as separate entities.
4. Whitening and bleaching toothpastes: Whitening Scientists have long seen a link between healthy teeth and
toothpastes by removing stained plaque, teeth will regain gums and oral cavity without plaque can prevent the risk of
their natural whiteness. Plaque can be removed by systemic diseases, hence dentifrices also plays a major role in
abrasive substances or by enzymes that stick to proteins this aspect.
in the pellicle, thus facilitating the removal of stained
plaque. References
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contain chemicals, most commonly – hydrogen peroxide Toothpaste. 2010, 15.
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manufacturers claim to produce toothpastes to treat 3. Schlosser Jim. Get the lead out didn't always mean for
specific conditions, and such products do not belong to soldiers to speed up during World War II. It meant
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widely but often include baking soda, aloe, eucalyptus benefits and recommendations. Available online from
oil, myrrh, plant extract (strawberry extract), and essential http://www.ineedce.com/courses/1714/PDF/Reflectionso
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