This article was taken from the May issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content bysubscribing online
Each month Wired's chemist Dr John Emsley, author of nine books and 110 research papers, deconstructs an everyday product. This month: Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste
Potassium acesulfameAn artificial sweetener (E950) that consists of a ring molecule with sulphur and nitrogen atoms.
Sodium silicateAka water glass (Na2SiO3), this is an adhesive that's used to heal wounds. It can also be used as an emergency repair paste for sealing leaks in car exhausts.
SucraloseA sweetener made from sugar to which three chlorine atoms are attached, making it impossible for enzymes to break it down into acids.
Sodium monofluorophosphateThis provides the fluoride to strengthen enamel by converting the calcium phosphate hydroxide of which it is made into calcium phosphate fluoride.
Calcium carbonateOccurring naturally in marble and egg shells (CaCO3), this is used as a filler in plastics such as PVC; it also makes a great scouring powder.
ArginineAn amino acid and a component of proteins. It is thought to aid healing -- and makes the messenger molecule that triggers erections.
Cellulose gumA thickening agent (E466) that is used in many products, from detergent gels to lubricating jelly. Here it is food-grade quality and gives the toothpaste its desired texture.
Cleaning agentSodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming surfactant that lifts dirt and grease off the teeth.
Xanthan gumThis holds all the other ingredients together as a homogenous paste.
Titanium dioxideAn intensely white pigment (E171).
SorbitolThis keeps the paste moist. It is a sugar alcohol (E415), made on an industrial scale from glucose and hydrogen. Used as a sugar substitute as it won't decay teeth.
**How it works:**Arginine and calcium carbonate can repair tooth enamel. The arginine activates bacteria that neutralise acids, and the calcium, along with saliva, restores the enamel.
INGREDIENTS>Arginine (bicarbonate)
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
