Active Ingredients

DECLARATION OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS 


Most oral care products currently marketed as low-budget "whitening" products in stores, has no proven effect. The few products that have an actual effect usually achieve this by a high abrasion which will damage the teeth enamel. Therefore, abrasive toothpaste should not be used daily for extended periods.  Brilliant Smile’s oral care products dissolve surface stains and plaque using active ingredients without damaging abrasives. These ingredients have proven effect and are widely used in sophisticated dental care products. Studies proving the effectiveness of our active ingredients are well documented.  Unlike many other producers who have different toothpastes for different needs (sensitive, whitening, dental caries control etc.), Brilliant Smile have collected all advantages desired in one product regimen. What follows is a declaration of our active ingredients, their properties, and a selection of independent studies proving the efficacy of these ingredients. 

TETRAPOTASSIUM PYROPHOSPHATE

This substance acts as an active ingredient in the toothpastes and mouthwash by Brilliant Smiles. Its purpose is to dissolve the surface stains and coatings, in other words, remove plaque and coatings on the tooth's surface. TP and other pyrophosphates are widely used in oral care products due to their ability to effectively remove plaque from the teeth and thereby also preventing the formation of tartar. Below are studies that illustrate these properties:

Evaluation of anti-calculus efficacy. An SEM method of evaluating the effectiveness of pyrophosphate dentifrice on calculus formation 
-Gaengler P, Spas, Weinert, w. (1993)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8382228
Study shows sharply reduced levels of plaque and dental stone formation after 3 months of use of toothpastes containing pyrophosphate, in comparison with a placebo alternative.

Anticalculus efficacy of a new dentifrice 
– Llena C, F L, Vento, c. (2009)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19587891
The study compares a regular toothpaste with a toothpaste containing TP as an active ingredient, testing the products' impact on the formation of tartar. The results showed that the toothpaste with TP was significantly more effective in the prevention of calculus.


ZINC CITRATE

Brilliant Smile’s toothpastes contain Zinc Citrate, which is a very well documented ingredient for oral care products with many recognized benefits:

•   Prevents bad breath
•   Prevents tooth decay and gingivitis (antibacterial)
•   Effectively removes plaque and prevents the formation of tartar

Effect of a single brushing with two Zn-containing toothpastes on VSC in morning breath: a 12 h, randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical study. 
-Young A, Jonski g. (2011)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22134057
The study examined zinc citrate and its influence on bad breath, and demonstrated that the toothpaste with zinc citrate gave the best effect in comparison with other options.

Clinical anti-microbial efficacy of a new zinc citrate dentifrice. 
-Sreenivasan PK, Furgang D, Markowitz M, Tischio K, McKiernan-Bereski D, Devizio w., Fine, d. (2009)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18850117
The study demonstrates the antibacterial properties of zinc citrate, where toothpastes containing the substance reduced bacteria, while toothpastes free from the substance did not.

Dental plaque control effect of a zinc citrate dentifrice. 
-Barnes WORLD CUP, Richter, Bastin D, Lambert P, Xu, t. (2008)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19278081
The study clearly showed that zinc citrate as an active ingredient in toothpaste effectively reduces plaque and also emphasized its multifunctional benefits in dental care products.

The effect of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan on bacterial viability and plaque growth in vivo compared to a toothpaste containing 0.3% Triclosan and 2% copolymer. 
-Adams, Theobald AJ, Jones NM, Brading MG TF, Cox, Mendez A, Nathan DM, Gillam DG, Hall C, Holt, j. (2003)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14725385
This study also demonstrates the antimicrobial benefits and plaque reducing properties of zinc citrate.

Anticalculus effect of two zinc citrate/essential oil-containing dentifrices. 
-Santos SL, Conforti N, Mankodi S, Kohut ASK, Yu D, Wu MM, Parikh, r. (2000)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11763907
The study shows the zinc citrate property that reduces the formation of tartar.

A study to assess the plaque inhibitory action of a new zinc citrate toothpaste formulation. 
-Moran, j., Addy M, Corry q, Newcombe RG, Haywood, j. (2001)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11168740
This study confirms previous studies that has showed that zinc citrate as an active ingredient in toothpaste prevents the accumulation of plaque and gingivitis.


POLOXAMER 407

Different types of polymer are widely used for toothpastes as an emulsifier or as a surfactant. Poloxamer 407 is used in Brilliant Smile’s toothpaste and mouthwash, where the substance forms a thin protective surface that makes the tooth surface smoother. A smooth surface is less susceptible to dirt, plaque and discoloration, as opposed to a ruffled surface. In this way Poloxamer 407 prevents the formation of new coatings and discoloration. 

Read more about: Poloxamer
http://www.google.com/patents/US20130315845
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2008/0260678.html
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.details&id=36666


SODIUM BICARBONATE

Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) is relatively well-known for its properties as a teeth whitening agent. It is an ingredient in Brilliant Smile’s intensive care whiteningboost toothpaste, to provide an additional fast effect.

Effectiveness of a new dentifrice with baking soda and peroxide in removing extrinsic stain and whitening teeth.
-Ghassemi A, Hooper w., Vorwerk L, Domke T, DeSciscio P, Nathoo s. (2012)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23210419
The study is testing toothpaste with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and shows that it is effective in removing surface discoloration. In addition, the study suggests that the substance can prevent the formation of new discolorations, even after discontinued use.


SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE

Sodium tripolyphosphate is an additional ingredient with whitening effect that is added to the Brilliant Smile’s intensive care whiteningboost toothpaste.

A twelve-week clinical comparison of two tartar control dentifrices 
-S J, Battista G., Petrone, Petrone DM ME, DeVizio W., Volpe AR, Proskin HM. (2000)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11460609
The study compares two toothpastes with properties that discourage plaque and tartar. Results showed that STP as an active ingredient brings benefits that makes such a toothpaste more effective.


HYDROXYAPATITE

Hydroxyapatite is the mineral of which the enamel is composed, and is naturally present in the saliva to constantly protect and strengthen enamel. The substance is becoming more common in oral care products because of its ability to strengthen the enamel by rebuilding it, making the tooth surface smooth, and closing open dentine tubules which cause sensitivty. Hydroxyapatite is an ingredient in the Brilliant Smile whiteningevo toothpaste.

Effects of dentifrice containing hydroxyapatite on dentinal tubule occlusion and aqueous hexavalent chromium cations sorption: a preliminary study.
-Yuan P, Shen X, Liu J, Hou Y, Zhu M, Huang J, Xu p. (2012)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23300511
The study clearly shows the effect of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste, where the substance effectively closes open dentine tubules and smoothens the tooth surface – providing long-lasting protection against sensitivity and strengthening the enamel.

Unique functions of hydroxyapatite with mutans streptococci adherence.
-Arakawa T, Fujimaru T, Ishizak T, Takeuchi H, Kageyama M, Ikemi T, Hanada N, Watanabe H, Senpuku, h. (2010)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19907724
The study shows the unique ability of hydroxyapatite to remove "mutans streptococci"; the bacteria which is the most common cause of tooth decay.

Additional related studies:
http://www.brilliantsmile.se/images/stories/hydroxyapatite.doc
http://www.brilliantsmile.se/images/stories/report_j1-72.pdf
http://www.brilliantsmile.se/images/stories/report_j1-73.pdf


SODIUM FLUORIDE

Sodium fluoride (fluoride) is a well-known and widely tested substance. In most cases it is a given ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash due to its ability to protect the teeth and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride should not be swallowed or ingested as it is harmful to the body. In case of ingestion at an early age it can cause fluorosis, a teeth mineralization defect that often appears as white spots on the teeth. Toothpastes in the EU may contain a maximum of 1500ppm fluoride, but only low doses of fluoride are recommended in toothpastes for children. Brilliant Smiles toothpaste and mouthwash contains 1450ppm fluoride and should therefore not be used by children under the age of 7. 

See more on the EU's approach to fluoride and recommendations for children: http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/sccp/out219_en.pdf

A selection of studies of fluoride and its properties:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24308396
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20600557
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17713335
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22664966


POTASSIUM NITRATE

Potassium nitrate is a well-documented and common ingredient in toothpastes, as the substance relieves and prevents sensitivity (see the links to the studies below). 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24156205
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24156203
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23649063
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23633698


COLORING AGENT CI 74160 (BLUE COVARINE)


A silica toothpaste containing blue covarine: a new technological breakthrough in whitening.

-Joiner a. (2009)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19998663
The study highlights the benefits of using blue covarine in whitening products, and further mentions the substance as a technological breakthrough for the product type. As an ingredient in silica based toothpaste, the substance build a layer on the tooth surface which creates an optical illusion that makes the teeth appear whiter, both measurably and visibly.

Instant tooth whitening from a silica toothpaste containing blue covarine.
-Collins LZ, Naeeni M, Platten SM. (2008)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18646366
The study shows that toothpaste containing blue covarine provides noticeably whiter teeth immediately after brushing.

In vitro cleaning, abrasion and fluoride efficacy of a new silica based whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine.
-Joiner A, Philpotts CJ, Ashcroft AT, Laucello M, Salvaderi a. (2008)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18646368
Like the above studies, the whitening effect of blue covarine is clearly demonstrated. The effect is still better even without added abrasive effect in comparison with regular toothpaste. Furthermore, blue covarine does inhibit the uptake of fluoride.