The Role of Silica in Toothpaste
Silica is one of the most common abrasives in toothpaste, playing several key roles in its formulation:
- Cleaning Function: Acts as a mild abrasive to remove plaque and light stains from teeth.
- Anti-sensitivity Function: Silica in toothpaste physically fills dentin tubules, forming a protective layer that shields against external stimuli like cold, heat, acid, or sweetness.
- 3. Thickening Effect: Provides toothpaste with the right texture and consistency.
- 4. Carrier Role: Helps evenly distribute active ingredients like fluoride.
Safety Assessment
- Physical Properties Determine Safety
Hydrated silica used in toothpaste is fundamentally different from crystalline silica:
– Hydrated Silica: Amorphous structure, moderate hardness (Mohs scale ~5).
– Crystalline Silica: Sharp crystalline structure, used industrially, may harm lung tissue.
JSJ produces food-grade amorphous hydrated silica under strict quality control. Current scientific evidence shows no observable health risks within the regulated usage and dosage in daily products like toothpaste.
- Authoritative Safety Certifications
– FDA: Approves hydrated silica as a food additive and toothpaste ingredient.
– EFSA (European Food Safety Authority): Deems food-grade silica safe.
– IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer): Lists only crystalline silica as a potential carcinogen, not amorphous silica.
JSJ holds certifications including ISO22000, REACH, Food Contact Safe, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS, ensuring production processes meet stringent safety standards.
Potential Controversies and Misconceptions
- “Scratches Tooth Enamel” Claim
Scientific Fact:
– Tooth enamel has a Mohs hardness of 5. The silica in high-quality toothpaste is designed with specific particle sizes (typically 5-15 microns) and shapes to clean effectively without damaging enamel.
– Clinical studies confirm that silica-containing toothpaste, when used correctly, does not cause enamel wear.
– All JSJ toothpaste-grade silica undergoes PCR and RDA testing to ensure cleaning efficacy without harming enamel.
- Concerns About Long-Term Use
Some worry about frequent toothpaste use leading to inhalation risks, but:
– Contact time is minimal (typically 1-2 minutes).
– Swallowed amounts are negligible.
Considerations for Special Populations
– Children: Use low-abrasive children’s toothpaste.
– People with Dentin Sensitivity: Opt for toothpaste with smaller silica particles.
– Patients with Enamel Hypoplasia: Consult a dentist for specialized toothpaste.
Expert Recommendations
– Proper brushing technique (e.g., Bass method) is more critical than toothpaste ingredients.
– Check RDA values: Quality toothpaste should have a Radioactive Dentin Abrasion value below 250 (typically 70-120).
– Comprehensive oral care: Toothpaste is only one part of oral health; it cannot replace flossing or regular dental checkups.
Since its founding in 2003, JSJ has been dedicated to producing high-standard precipitated silica, offering whitening, sensitivity relief, and gum-care solutions for toothpaste brands. For more information, contact us at: marketing@jsjgcl.com.
