Chapter 28: Dentifrices and Mouthrinses

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 28: Dentifrices and Mouthrinses.

Dentrifice (Dentifrice)

A paste or substance used with a toothbrush to clean accessible surfaces of teeth; can be therapeutic (reduces disease) or cosmetic (cleans and polishes).

Therapeutic dentifrice

A dentifrice designed to reduce disease processes such as caries, gingivitis, calculus, and sensitivity.

Cosmetic dentifrice

A dentifrice that cleans and polishes teeth and removes stains without targeting disease processes.

Active ingredients

Component that has a biological activity and contributes to the product’s therapeutic effect.

Inactive ingredients

Components that do not affect the body but influence shelf-life, stability, flow, and manufacturing.

Detergents (surfactants)

Foaming agents that aid cleaning and cleansing in dentifrices.

Abrasives

Cleaning and polishing agents that remove plaque and stains.

Binders

Thickeners that stabilize the dentifrice formula.

Humectants

Moisture stabilizers that help prevent drying and hardening.

Preservatives

Substances that prevent microbial growth in the product.

Flavoring agents

Substances added to improve taste and palatability.

Sweeteners

Sweetening agents that help maintain formulation and taste.

Stannous fluoride

Active ingredient with antibiofilm/antigingivitis properties and desensitizing capabilities.

Zinc citrate

Active ingredient with antibiofilm/antigingivitis activity.

Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate

Anti-calculus agent used in dentifrices.

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

Anti-calculus agent used in dentifrices.

Sodium hexametaphosphate

Anti-calculus agent that can also aid in malodor control.

Potassium nitrate

Desensitizing agent that helps reduce dentin hypersensitivity.

Potassium citrate

Desensitizing agent used in some dentifrices.

Potassium chloride

Desensitizing agent used in some dentifrices.

Strontium chloride

Desensitizing agent used in some dentifrices.

Desensitizers (general)

Ingredients that reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking pain signals or tubule pathways.

Essential oils

Oil-based compounds used in mouthrinses to reduce oral malodor and provide antimicrobial effects.

Chlorine dioxide

Antimicrobial agent used in some mouthrinses to help reduce halitosis.

Hydrogen peroxide (HP)

Bleaching agent used in whitening dentifrices; releases oxygen to whiten stains.

Carbamide peroxide (CP)

Whitening agent that decomposes to hydrogen peroxide and urea; slower release, suitable for at-home use.

Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP)

Newer non-peroxide whitening agent that oxidizes stains with minimal enamel damage.

PAP+

Peroxide-free whitening option marketed in some products to reduce sensitivity.

Fluoride

Mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities; recommended concentrations and ADA seal considerations for children.

ADA Seal of Acceptance

American Dental Association program indicating products meet safety and efficacy criteria.

CDA Seal of Acceptance

Canadian Dental Association program indicating products meet safety and efficacy criteria.

Peridex (Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%)

Antiseptic mouthrinse that reduces oral bacteria and gingival inflammation but may cause staining and taste alteration with prolonged use.

Chlorhexidine staining

Tooth staining caused by chlorhexidine interacting with dietary chromogens.

Alcohol in mouthrinses

Ethanol-containing rinses can cause burning and dry mouth and may harm xerostomic patients; alcohol-free options exist.

Alcohol-free mouthrinses

Mouthrinses formulated without ethanol, often preferred for sensitive mouths or dry mouth.

Mouthrinses for children

Guidelines suggest use around age six; ADA Seal recommended; fluoride considerations for young children.

Whitening mouthrinses ingredients

Contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents like phosphates and citrate to remove or control stains.

Oil pulling

Emerging practice of swishing oil (sesame or coconut) to reduce biofilm and bacteria.

Substantivity

Ability of a chemotherapeutic agent to bind to tooth/pellicle and release over time while retaining activity.

Posttreatment mouthrinse

Mouthrinse used after non-surgical periodontal therapy to support outcomes.

Box 28-1 Functions of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Remineralization, antimicrobial/biofilm control, gingival health, astringent, anodyne, buffering, deodorizing, oxygenating.

Box 28-2 Characteristics of an Effective Chemotherapeutic Agent

Non-toxic, limited absorption, substantivity, bacterial specificity, low resistance development.

Box 28-4 Documentation

Example documentation for selecting dentifrice/mouthrinse, usage instructions, and patient findings.