Page 37 - HPIC E-Magazine (January-2021)

Special Article

Stannous fluoride: Stannous fluo- It would be advantageous to have
ride reacts with the tooth enamel a mouthwash that could dissolve and/
to produce a repairing or robust or disperse the tobacco tar, thereby
layer over the vulnerable areas removing it from the mouth without
of the teeth. This protective layer any of the adverse effects. However,
helps shield against short sharp no known available oral rinse pro-
sensations caused by sensitivity. duct available on the market today is
Strontium chloride has also been capable of preforming the function of
used, but is falling out of favour dissolving or dispersing tobacco tar
due to safety issues. effectively. Nevertheless, there are
patents for formulations containing
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth Well-known brands of toothpaste at least one nonionic surfactant with
Dentinal hypersensitivity, or tooth for sensitive teeth in the Indian con- a concentration range from about
sensitivity, is a common dental pro- text include: Colgate Sensitive Pro- 0.3% to about 6.5% by weight; and
blem. It’s a condition that can deve- Relief (Colgate), Thermoseal (ICPA additionally, at least one cyclic, pre-
lop over time, as a result of common Health Products Pvt. Ltd.), Senso- ferably aromatic, essential oil in a con-
problems such as receding gums and dyne (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer centration range of from about 0.03%
enamel wear. Most sufferers are bet- Healthcare India), Pepsodent Pro- to about 3.5% by weight.
ween 20 and 50 years old. Tooth sen- Sensitive (Hindustan Unilever Ltd.),
sitivity can start to happen when the amongst others. Dabur Herb’l Smokers toothpaste
softer, inner part of the tooth called contains ingredients such as mint,
‘dentine’ becomes exposed. Dentine Toothpastes for smokers salt and blackberry bark. Accord-
lies under the enamel and the gums. It is well known that tobacco ing to the company, while salt is
smoking can cause the deposition of highly effective in disinfecting teeth
Thousands of microscopic chan- materials on the teeth, tongue, gums, and removing nicotine stains, mint’s
nels run through the dentine towards and other surfaces in the oral cavity germicidal properties inhibit bacte-
the centre of the tooth. Once the of smokers. The result of the depo- rial growth and provide deep fresh
dentine is exposed, external triggers sition of these materials include the breath, and blackberry bark acts as
(such as a cold drink) can stimulate discoloration of the teeth and other a natural astringent and strengthens
the nerves inside the tooth, causing surfaces within the oral cavity such both teeth and gums.
the characteristic short, sharp sensa- as the gums and tongue and the Teeth-whitening toothpaste
tion of tooth sensitivity. causing of bad breath. Additionally, Tooth whitening is an important
the materials deposited on the inte- criteria when people buy toothpastes.
These toothpastes work by plug- rior surface of the mouths of smokers Even if people don’t smoke, they are
ging the tubules that convey sensa- can lead to health problems, such as still susceptible to dental stains that
tions, for instant and lasting relief. tooth decay and gum disease. come about as a result of consuming
They are very easy to apply, and are certain kinds of foods such as coffee,
clinically proven to provide instant The major constituent of depo- tea or cola.
relief. sits caused by smoking is commonly
known as “tar”. Tobacco tar is Teeth whitening can be achieved
Ingredients commonly used in the loosely defined as a dark, oily, blend either by professional application or
formulation of toothpastes for sensi- of polycyclic aromatic and aliphatic can be self-administered by the use
tive teeth are: hydrocarbons, although tar also con- of commercially available products
Potassium nitrate: Potassium ions tains other compounds. such as toothpaste, mouthwashes,
help to prevent nerves in the teeth whitening pens, whitening strips and
from sending signals to the brain Known tar removing products usu- whitening trays. Among these, use
triggered by certain stimuli, such ally include an aluminium or silicon of whitening toothpaste is the most
as sensations of hot and cold. based abrading material to physically popular.
Potassium nitrate is known as a remove the tar from the surfaces in the
nerve calming ingredient. The mouth. Unfortunately, these abrading Basically, conventional whitening
maximum-strength toothpastes materials do not differentiate between toothpaste contains abrasives and
for tooth sensitivity usually con- tar and other materials, such as the bleaching agents such as silica,
tain 5% potassium nitrate. actual surface of the teeth. pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide
Home, Personal & Institutional Care India January 2021 37