Tom's Of Maine Peppermint Baking Soda Toothpaste With Fluoride (5.5 Oz)

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It helps maintain oral health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Its cavity-preventing properties make it a highly beneficial ingredient in toothpaste.

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Peppermint oil is a natural antimicrobial agent that helps freshen breath and reduce oral bacteria. It provides a pleasant flavor and contributes to overall oral hygiene. Its antimicrobial properties make it a beneficial addition to toothpaste.

Calcium carbonate is a common abrasive used in toothpaste to help remove plaque and surface stains. It is generally considered safe and effective for this purpose. However, it does not provide any additional oral health benefits beyond its abrasive action.

Water is used as a solvent in toothpaste formulations to dissolve other ingredients and provide the desired consistency. It is an inert ingredient with no direct impact on oral health. Its primary role is to facilitate the mixing and application of the toothpaste.

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Sodium monofluorophosphate is a source of fluoride, which helps in the prevention of dental cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. However, excessive fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of teeth. Its potential for toxicity in high amounts makes it a controversial ingredient.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used to create foam in toothpaste, but it is a known mucosal irritant. It has been linked to mouth ulcers and can damage oral epithelial tissue. Its harsh nature makes it a concerning ingredient in oral care products.