ANTIBACTERIAL AND PH-MODIFYING INGREDIENTS
- Chlorhexidine salts are antimicrobial agents that are effective against a wide variety of bacteria. [Collins & Walsh, 1992] They have been reported to inhibit plaque acid production. [Manson & Eley, 1995; Marsh, 1992]
- Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent in toothpaste and mouthwash. At low concentrations it interferes with the uptake of nutrients into bacterial cells and inhibits their growth. At higher concentrations, triclosan is bactericidal. [Zuckerbraum et al., 1998]
- Zinc salts exert an antimicrobial effect by inhibiting a variety of bacterial enzyme reactions, [Mandel, 1988] including the breakdown of sugar into plaque acid. Zinc, used in combination with other substances, has been shown to reduce calculus. It is also reported to be effective against halitosis as zinc ions have an affinity for sulfur compounds, reported to be primary components of bad breath, and convert offensive sulfur compounds to non-volatile substances. [Waler, 1997]
- Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) has the potential to modify the pH of plaque, and possibly the activity of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It may also interfere with plaque metabolism and so reduce acid production. [Legier-Vargas et al., 1995]
- Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming, cleaning and dispersing agent with antibacterial properties.