“Formulation of Dentifrices”

Diptarco Singha

B.Pharm; 6th semester;

What is a Dentifrice?

According to American Dental Association, Council on Dental Therapeutics:-“ A dentifrices is a substance used with a toothbrush for the purpose of cleaning the accessible surface of the teeth”

“Webster” described the term Dentifrices as derived from “Dens” (tooth ) and “fricare” ( to rub ) .

Function of a dentifrice:-

Minimizing plaque build up

Anti-carries action

Removal of stains

Mouth freshener

Minimizing bad odour

Apart from teeth may have the ability to treat

gum & buccul cavity.

Forms of dentifrices:-Toothpa

stes;Tooth Powders

;Tooth Gels;

General Formulation:-I. Abrasives & Polishing agents,

(55-65%)II. Detergents & Foaming agents, (1-

2%)III. Sweetening agent, IV. Flavors,V. Preservatives, (0.05-0.5%)VI. Special therapeutic & whitening

agents, (q.s)

However, In addition to these, toothpaste also contains two more ingredients:-VII.Humectant, (1%)VIII.Binding agents, (10-30%)

(1-5%)

Abrasives & Polishing agents:-

These materials are also called Cleansing materials.

Abrasives are the main constituent of toothpastes and tooth powders.

It should have to be powder & hard but not such that it makes a scratch on enamel or gum

Abrasives are responsible for removal of food debris lodged in teeth.

Eg:- Calcium carbonate (most commonly used) Aluminium sulphate, dicalcium phosphate

Detergents & Foaming agents:-

The cleansing action is due to their lowering of

surface tension.

They help in wetting and dispersion of

powdered material in the product.

Due to their emulsifying capability,

they help in the removal of mucus.

They also produce foam which is mainly

for psychological purpose.

Eg:- Sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl

sarcosinate, magnesium lauryl

sulphate.

Sweetening Agents:-

Flavors:-

Preservatives:-

Sweetening agent is very important in dentifrice. It is mainly used in order to mask the other tastes. Eg:- Sodium saccharide (0.05-0.31%)

Flavors are essentially to be incorporated in dentifrices for long term in the mouth & also for leaving a pleasant & refreshing smell in the mouth after use.as a result the bad odour in mouth is masked. Eg:- Peppermint oil, Spearmint oil, clove oil etc.

These are essentially required in dentifrices as the product may be prone to microbial growth due to the presence of gums and water.Eg:- Alcohols, benzoates, formaldehyde etc.

Special Ingredients:-

Colours:- used to make the preparation more attractive.

Bleaches:- For the removal of stains from teeth to impart the whitening effect.

Lubricants:- These are mainly used for the ease of filling and coming out.

Therapeutic agents:- Generally used to show pharmacological actions during applications like clove etc.

Thickeners:- This is added to avoid the excess pouring capability.

In case of toothpastes & Gels:-

Humectants:-

Binding agents:-

This prevents the drying out of the product & locks the moisture within to impart the plasticity characters.Eg:- Glycerin, Sorbitol, Propylene glycol etc.

Binding agents prevent the separation of solid & liquid ingredients during storage. They are usually derived from cellulose, sodium carboxy-methyl cellulose being most commonly used.Other examples are- Carrageenan, Xantham gums & alginates.

Recent Modifications:-Nowadays Gelatin is

also used in various forms of

toothpastes and gels.

Procter & Gamble’s worked with an

experimental success

by launching

vanilla mint flavored

toothpastes

Dow’s & Jones have introduced their tooth

gel with beads of herbal

extracts.

References:-

Mittal B. M; Cosmetics; 6th edition; Page- 144-147

Thank You…!!!