Active ingredients

The substance acts as an active ingredient in all Brilliant Smile toothpastes and mouthwashes, where it serves to dissolve surface stains, in other words, remove plaque and deposits 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 teeth and thus counteract the formation of tartar. Below are studies highlighting these properties:

Evaluation of anti-calculus efficacy. An SEM method of evaluating the effectiveness of pyrophosphate dentifrice on calculus formation

- Gaengler P, Kurbad A, Weinert W. (1993)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8382228

The study shows significantly reduced levels of plaque and tartar formation after 3 months of using toothpaste containing pyrophosphate, compared to placebo alternatives.

Anticalculus efficacy of a new dentifrice

- Llena C, Forner 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 tartar formation. The result showed that the toothpaste with TP was significantly more effective at preventing tartar.

Zinc citrate is found in Brilliant Smile's toothpastes and is a well-documented ingredient for oral care products with many recognised benefits:

• Combats bad breath
• Combats cavities and gum inflammation (antibacterial)
• Effectively removes plaque and prevents tartar formation

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 investigated zinc citrate and its impact on bad breath, demonstrating that the toothpaste with zinc citrate provided the best effect compared to other alternatives.

Clinical anti-microbial efficacy of a new zinc citrate dentifrice. 

- Sreenivasan PK, Furgang D, Markowitz K, McKiernan M, Tischio-Bereski D, Devizio W, Fine D. (2009)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18850117

The study demonstrates zinc citrate's antibacterial properties, 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 VM, Richter R, 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 highlighted the substance's multifunctional benefits in oral 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 SE, Theobald AJ, Jones NM, Brading MG, Cox TF, Mendez A, Chesters DM, Gillam DG, Hall C, Holt J. (2003)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14725385

This study also clearly demonstrates zinc citrate's antimicrobial benefits and plaque-reducing properties.

Anticalculus effect of two zinc citrate/essential oil-containing dentifrices. 

- Santos SL, Conforti N, Mankodi S, Kohut BE, Yu D, Wu MM, Parikh R. (2000)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11763907

The study demonstrates zinc citrate's property of reducing tartar formation.

A study to assess the plaque inhibitory action of a new zinc citrate toothpaste formulation. 

- Moran J, Addy M, Corry D, Newcombe RG, Haywood J. (2001)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11168740

This study confirms previous studies showing that zinc citrate as an active ingredient in toothpaste prevents plaque formation and gum inflammation.

Different types of polymer are commonly used in, among other things, toothpaste as emulsifiers or as surfactants. In Brilliant Smile's toothpaste and mouthwash, Poloxamer 407 is used, which forms a thin protective layer that makes the tooth surface smoother. A smooth surface is less susceptible to dirt, plaque, and discolouration, as opposed to a rough surface. In this way, Poloxamer 407 counteracts the formation of new deposits and discolourations.

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

Bicarbonate is relatively well-known for its properties as a whitener for teeth and is included in Brilliant Smile's intensive toothpaste - whiteningboost toothpaste, to provide an extra 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 tests toothpaste with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and shows that the substance is effective in removing surface discolourations. Furthermore, the study suggests that the substance can counteract the formation of new discolourations, even after use is discontinued.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is an additional ingredient with a whitening effect that is added to Brilliant Smile's intensive toothpaste - whiteningboost toothpaste.

A twelve-week clinical comparison of two tartar control dentifrices

- Sowinski J, Battista G, Petrone DM, Petrone ME, DeVizio W, Volpe AR, Proskin HM. (2000)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11460609

The study tests two toothpastes with properties that counteract plaque and tartar, where the result showed that ST as an active ingredient provides benefits that make such a toothpaste more effective.

Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that enamel is composed of and is naturally found in saliva to constantly protect and strengthen the enamel. The substance is becoming more common in oral care products due to its ability to strengthen enamel by rebuilding it, smoothing the tooth surface, and sealing dentinal tubules that otherwise cause sensitivity and sensitivity. Hydroxyapatite is found in Brilliant Smile's original toothpaste – 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 seals dentinal tubules and smooths the tooth surface – providing lasting protection against sensitivity and strengthens 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 demonstrates the unique ability of hydroxyapatite to remove “mutans streptococci”; a bacterium that is the most common cause of cavities.

Further 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 (fluoride) is a well-known and widely tested substance, which in most cases is an obvious ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash due to its ability to protect teeth and prevent cavities. However, fluoride should not be swallowed or ingested as it is harmful to the body. Ingestion by children can cause fluorosis – a mineralisation disorder that often appears as white spots on the teeth. Toothpastes in the EU can contain a maximum of 1500ppm fluoride, but only low doses of fluoride in toothpaste are recommended for children. Brilliant Smile's toothpaste and mouthwash contain 1450ppm fluoride and should therefore not be used by children under 7 years.

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

A selection of studies on 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 is a well-documented and common ingredient in sensitive toothpastes, as the substance temporarily relieves sensitivity and counteracts discomfort (see links to 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

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 refers to the substance as a technological breakthrough for this product type. As an ingredient in a silica-based toothpaste, the substance settles on the tooth surface and creates an optical illusion that makes teeth appear measurably and visibly whiter.

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 gives 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

As in the above studies, the whitening effect with the help of blue covarine is demonstrated. Additionally, results showed no added abrasive effect compared to regular toothpaste. Blue covarine does not reduce fluoride uptake.