Table of Contents
What are Dental Products?
Dental products are substances that prevent dental caries, dental decay, and provide freshness and cleanliness to the mouth and teeth. They are available as toothpaste, tooth powder, mouthwash, tooth gel, and dentifrice.
Key definitions:
Dental Caries — Demineralisation or destruction of the inorganic and organic matrix from calcified tooth tissue by microbial activity. Organic acids produced by bacterial growth destroy the hydroxyapatite crystals of the mineral phase.
Dental Plaque — Whitish or pale yellow soft accumulation of bacterial colonies (mainly Streptococci) and their substrates deposited on inadequately cleaned teeth.
Gingivitis — Gum disease caused when bacterial plaque builds up on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.
Classification of Dental Products
| Class | Examples |
|---|---|
| Antiplaque agents | Triclosan, Delmopinol, Phenolic compounds |
| Anticaries agents | Sodium fluoride, Stannous fluoride |
| Cleaning/dentifrice agents | Calcium carbonate, Calcium phosphate, Sodium metaphosphate |
| Desensitising agents | Strontium chloride, Zinc chloride |
| Mouthwashes | Chlorhexidine gluconate, Potassium nitrate |
Calcium Carbonate (Dental Use)
Formula: CaCO₃ | Molar Mass: 100.09 g/mol
Tooth enamel is mainly made of calcium salts — calcium carbonate plays a major role in tooth development and tissue strength.
- Preparation: Toothpaste, tooth powder, tablets, capsules, syrup, oral drops.
- Brand names: Coolwhite, Emoform, Denti Fresh.
- Uses:
- Cleaning and polishing abrasive in toothpaste and tooth powder.
- Supports tooth mineralisation and strength.
- Antacid action for heartburn and indigestion.
Sodium Fluoride
Formula: NaF | Molar Mass: 41.99 g/mol
Preparation: 2HF + Na₂CO₃ → 2NaF + H₂O + CO₂↑
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color & State | Colourless crystalline powder |
| Odour & Taste | Odourless; salty taste |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol |
- Preparation: Tablets, solution, drops, toothpaste.
- Brand names: Optifresh, NuNof, D Flour, Vinaflour.
- Storage: Well-closed, airtight container; away from light and moisture.
- Uses:
- Protects teeth from acid demineralisation during bacterial growth.
- Provides strength to tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay.
- Key ingredient in dental preparations for preventing dental caries.
- Used in water fluoridation and water treatment
Denture Cleaners
Denture cleaners are substances or equipment designed to safely remove stains, deposits, and debris from dentures caused by diet, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Their main use is to control the growth of Candida albicans (a yeast) on dentures, thereby preventing denture-related stomatitis.
- Preparation: Paste, powder, liquid, cleaning brush.
- Brand names: Dentural, Polident, Steradent
Methods of cleaning:
Chemical methods:
- Alkaline peroxide and alkaline hypochlorite
- Disinfectants (chlorhexidine)
- Dilute acids — hydrochloric acid, acetic acid
- Enzymes — glycoprotein, mucopolysaccharides
Mechanical methods:
- Brushing
- Toothpaste and tooth powder
- Ultrasonic agitation
Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives act as adhesive materials between the gum and denture. They fill the empty space between the tissue and denture surface to keep the denture in place during function and prevent movement. Saliva absorption expands the adhesive, aiding further adhesion.
- Preparation: Cream, powder, strips.
- Brand names: Fixodent, Poligrip (Zinc Free), Fittydent, Seabond.
- Storage: Well-closed, airtight container; away from light and moisture
Types:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Adhesive cream | Applied in small amounts on wet dentures; highest adhesive strength |
| Adhesive powder | Sprinkled on wet dentures; covers the entire tissue-contact surface |
| Adhesive strips | Applied to dry dentures before placing in the mouth |
Key composition ingredients:
- Zinc — creates the grip
- Mineral oil and Petroleum — delivers correct consistency
- Cellulose gum — helps denture stick in place
- Silica — aids correct consistency
Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes are liquid preparations meant for preventing dental caries, removing bad breath, and maintaining oral freshness. They are antiseptic solutions that reduce microbial activity and oral infections. They may be used directly or diluted, swirled around the mouth, or gargled.
- Preparation: Solution, sprays.
- Brand names: Listerine, Hexadine, Gargilin, Unifresh.
- Storage: Well-closed, airtight container; away from light and moisture.
Composition: Antibacterial agents, alcohol, glycerin, sweetening agents, flavouring agents, and colouring agents.
Classification by activity:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Antiseptic | Chlorhexidine, Listerine |
| Anti-allergic | Benadryl mouthwash |
| Anti-haemostatic | Tranexamic acid mouthwash |
| Analgesic | Lidocaine mouthwash |
| Steroid | Triamcinolone Acetonide mouthwash |
D.Pharma 1st Year — All Subjects Notes
D.Pharma 2nd Year — All Subjects Notes