Final answer:
Dentifrices, better known as toothpaste, aid in oral hygiene by functioning as an abrasive to remove plaque, containing fluoride to prevent tooth decay, and including antibacterial agents. They also often contain flavorants and remineralizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
What are Dentifrices?
Dentifrices, commonly known as toothpaste, are substances used alongside a toothbrush to clean and maintain the health and aesthetics of teeth. Toothpaste is essential for oral hygiene, as it serves multiple purposes in daily dental care. Primarily, it acts as an abrasive, helping to remove dental plaque and food from the teeth. These abrasives, which make up at least 50% of toothpaste, are generally made up of substances such as aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and various silicas. Besides its physical cleaning action, toothpaste often contains fluoride, a key ingredient for preventing tooth decay by chemically strengthening tooth enamel and possessing bacteriostatic properties, which slow down enamel degradation.
Toothpaste formulations also include antibacterial agents like triclosan or zinc chloride. These help prevent gingivitis and can reduce tartar and bad breath, according to the American Dental Association. Furthermore, toothpaste contains flavorants, such as peppermint and spearmint, to encourage its use. Additionally, some toothpastes contain remineralizers such as hydroxyapatite nanocrystals, which aid in the reformation of enamel. Overall, the use of toothpaste is a key component in preventing tooth decay and maintaining dental hygiene