Ever wondered why toothpaste comes in a rainbow of colours?
The internet is home to lots of useful and valuable information. However, it is also highly susceptible to false information and widely spread, fabricated misinformation. One hoax that has surfaced has to do with the colourful markings you see on the bottoms of toothpaste tubes. Referred to as the toothpaste colour code, social media posts and internet articles about the subject insist that the colours on a toothpaste tube reveal what the ingredients in the toothpaste actually are.
As much as we love cracking secret codes, this one actually has nothing to crack because it’s entirely untrue. These markings have nothing to do with the ingredients in your toothpaste. As it turns out, they mean something else entirely.
What is the purpose of the various colour codes?
The coloured squares on the tubes have no relationship with the content of the toothpaste. They are known as ‘colour marks’ or ‘eye marks’, which are articles of the manufacturing process.
The purpose of the coloured squares is to assist the packaging machine to know where to cut the tube. It is called an eye mark because it is read by an electric eye. Other product packages have similar marks on the packet or box.
It’s important to know that to determine the content of toothpaste, just read the information given within the ingredients section of the tube or box and you will get enough information.
What’s really in my toothpaste?
Looking at the label on most toothpaste, it would seem that you need an advanced degree in biochemistry to decipher the ingredient names. Propylene glycol, sodium bicarbonate, sodium pyrophosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate are all listed. Are you sure you want to put these in your mouth?
Fear not. Here is an explanation of some of the ingredients and what they do in various types of toothpaste:
Hydrogen peroxide
This is one of the few ingredients actually proven to whiten teeth. It is, in essence, a bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is found in the kits dentists can prescribe to bleach your teeth, as well as in over-the-counter bleaching kits. It is recommended that you should only bleach your teeth only under the recommendation and supervision of your dentist.
Sodium bicarbonate
It sounds high-tech, but it’s actually nothing more than old-fashioned baking soda. Its function in toothpaste is questioned by the relevant authorities, although some dentists say it can help to remove coffee and food stains from your teeth. It is a mild abrasive, so it scours your teeth, helping to eliminate plaque. And it does make your teeth feel clean and smooth. Other abrasives you’ll often find in toothpastes are dicalcium phosphate, kaolin, bentonite, silica and calcium carbonate (chalk).
Sodium pyrophosphate:
This is the active ingredient normally found in tartar-control toothpaste. It has been shown to prevent the formation of plaque when used regularly. However, once tartar hardens onto your teeth, it can’t be removed at home. Only a professional cleaning will get rid of it.
Want a safer toothpaste?
Curaprox Enzycal is a world-class fluoride and mint-free toothpaste that is manufactured in Switzerland and is compatible with homoeopathic treatment. The enzymes boost the natural defences of your saliva and protect against tooth decay. Just to note, this toothpaste offers moderate abrasiveness. This toothpaste is recommended for clean teeth, bad breath and plaque.
If you want to get your hands on this exclusive toothpaste, head on over to Montana Dental in Pretoria whilst you’re having your next appointment.
At Montana Dental we have invested a large amount of time, effort and money to provide you as a patient with the most advanced, and up to date treatments that are available, in the safest possible environment.
Combining passion, numerous hours of post graduate education, microscope assisted treatments with the latest digital workflow and impeccable infection control measures, we can provide you as a patient with the treatment that you deserve.
Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment:
Landline: 012 492 7094 (May be affected by Load Shedding)
Cell phone: 060 904 5531 (Active WhatsApp Number)
Email address:admin@montanadental.co.za & drvictor@montanadental.co.za
Fin Forum Centre, Cnr. Dr van der Merwe & Sefako Makgatho Drive, Montana, Pretoria (Next to Nedbank)