I. Introduction
Potassium nitrate and toothpaste garde sodium monofluorophosphate are often used in toothpastes and fluoride coating materials. Potassium nitrate re-enforces the enamel of the teeth, making it more resistant to acid attack. Sodium monofluorophosphate, on the other hand, improves the structure of the tooth, reduces its solubility in acid and increases its resistance. In addition, sodium monofluorophosphate can be absorbed by bacteria, affecting their metabolism and acting as an anti-bacterial agent. Using the toothpaste with these two ingredients, can not only maintain oral hygiene, but also eliminate the symptoms of sensitive teeth and prevents tooth decay.
II. Benefits for teeth
1. Sodium Monofluorophosphate
- Prevents tooth decay: sodium monofluorophosphate in toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay by releasing fluoride ions that combine with substances on the surface of the teeth to form an antacid protective layer that helps the teeth resist acid erosion. Fluoride toothpaste can reduce the incidence of dental caries by 20% to 35%.
- Improve tooth sensitivity: Sodium monofluorophosphate can promote tooth remineralization and repair initial caries damage, helping to maintain the healthy state of teeth.
- Promote tooth remineralization: Sodium Monofluorophosphate can promote the remineralization of tooth surface minerals, further protecting dental health.
For detail description , please read article: what does sodium monofluorophosphate do in toothpaste ?
2. Potassium Nitrate
- Relieves tooth sensitivity: Potassium nitrate helps to reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the tooth surface to the nerve endings, relieving discomfort caused by hot and cold foods and beverages.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Potassium nitrate has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Potassium nitrate has some anti-bacterial effects that inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth, helping to relieve gum inflammation and sensitivity. This helps to maintain a healthy oral environment and prevent problems such as bad breath.
- Preventing tooth decay: The substance can balance the pH level in the mouth to a certain extent, which can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria associated with tooth decay, reduce the number of harmful microorganisms, and also enhance the hardness of teeth.
- Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory: Potassium nitrate has a certain anti-bacterial effect, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reduce inflammatory reactions and prevent bad breath and other problems.
- Teeth cleaning: Potassium nitrate can be dissolved in water to form a highly concentrated solution, which can effectively remove food residues and soft scale attached to the tooth surface during brushing to achieve the purpose of cleaning.
III. Content in toothpaste
1. Potassium nitrate
The standard level of potassium nitrate in toothpaste may vary depending on factors such as region, market demand and product type. Generally speaking, when potassium nitrate is present in toothpaste alone, the content should be between 0.5% and 2%. Levels within this range can effectively utilize the antibacterial effect of potassium nitrate and will not cause negative impacts on oral health.
2. Sodium Monofluorophosphate
Sodium monofluorophosphate is routinely found in toothpastes at a level of 0.7% to 0.8% on its own. This ingredient is used in toothpastes as an anti-caries agent and a tooth desensitizer, effectively preventing caries and relieving tooth sensitivity. For detailed explanation, please reach Is sodium monofluorophosphate harmful？
3. Potassium nitrate and sodium monofluorophosphate
When both potassium nitrate and gas compounds are present in toothpaste, their contents are, to a certain extent, interacting with each other, as both potassium nitrate and sodium monofluorophosphate are alkaline substances, so their contents and ratios in toothpaste need to be coordinated in order to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the product. For example, the content of potassium nitrate in a certain brand of toothpaste is 0.5%, while the content of sodium monofluorophosphate is about 0.14%.
In addition, the ratios of potassium nitrate and sodium monofluorophosphate in different toothpaste brands and models are slightly different, we should choose the right product according to their own oral conditions and needs when selecting toothpaste.
It should be noted that not all types of toothpaste are suitable for everyone. Especially for allergy sufferers or people with special needs, they should consult their doctors before deciding whether to use products containing specific ingredients.
IV. Conclusion
Both potassium nitrate and sodium monofluorophosphate have antisensitizing as well as anticavity properties in toothpaste. The mechanism of action is different. Potassium nitrate acts on the outside of the nerve cells to alleviate tooth sensitivity by inhibiting the pain transmission of the tooth nerves and reducing the pain caused by external pain. By neutralizing the acidic environment of the mouth, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and achieves the purpose of preventing cavities. Sodium monofluorophosphate reduces dentin sensitivity by blocking the dentin tubules and blocking external stimuli. When brushing teeth, sodium monofluorophosphate can form deposits on the surface of exposed dentin, sealing the open dentin tubules, thus blocking external hot and cold contact, reducing and preventing toothache. In addition to sodium monofluorophosphate, there are sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, strontium acetate and other substances with similar antisensitizing effects. In terms of preventing cavities, the fluoride ions of sodium monofluorophosphate will interact with dentin to enhance the caries resistance of teeth.
As you can see, both can be used alone or in combination as the main ingredient of toothpaste. When used in combination, they can double the resistance to tooth sensitivity and caries prevention. However, allergy sufferers or people with special needs need to pay attention to the fact that before choosing a toothpaste, they should consult a doctor before deciding to buy it. It is also important not to rely too much on a single brand or type, and should flexibly adjust the type of toothpaste used according to their own situation.
Expand reading:
Sodium monofluorophosphate vs sodium fluoride in toothpaste.
Sodium fluoride vs sodium monofluorophosphate vs stannous fluoride.
