Is Sodium Saccharin Safe in Toothpaste?
There’s hardly a person who doesn’t use toothpaste as part of his or her daily oral care regimen, and the ingredients that the toothpaste contains determine its functionality and desirability. Sodium saccharin, one of the most popular artificial sweeteners, is mentioned to be used in toothpaste as a common ingredient. It makes toothpaste taste better, though some fear that it can be dangerous over time. In this article, the author will explain the uses of sodium saccharin for toothpaste, its advantages and possible risks of side effects, and whether it is secure for oral solution.
What Does Sodium Saccharin Do in Toothpaste?
Sodium saccharin in toothpaste generally gives it a sweetness. Even though other ingredients may be used in toothpaste production and may have some bitter or even a sort of medicinal taste, sodium saccharin makes it a pleasure to use the toothpaste. This is especially important since brushing teeth is a daily activity, and an unappetizing taste may discourage the practice.
The function of Sodium saccharin in toothpaste is not only for sweetening; it plays other vital roles in toothpaste products. As it has a very high sweetness intensity, a small amount produces the desired sweetness and flavor. One brilliant aspect of the compound is its excellent solubility which makes it blend well within the formulation of toothpaste. Further, sodium saccharin is stable in the solid state as well as when exposed to various conditions that are common to products with a longer shelf life. Neither does it change pH nor temperature, to ensure the toothpaste retains the favorable taste once formulated.
Also, the sodium saccharin sweetener covers any off-flavors remaining from other products, for example, fluoride, herbal extracts, or active medicinal ingredients. For instance, in toothpaste that contains TCM, sodium saccharin helps reduce bitterness to increase utility satisfaction.
Further reading: What Is Sodium Saccharin?
Why Add Sweeteners to Oral Care Products?
Sodium saccharin powder as a sweetener has a relevant role in oral care products. Toothpaste is not soap or shampoo, it will be used inside the mouth, therefore, taste will not be negligible at all. Suppose you are using a toothpaste that has a bitter taste after you rinse your mouth then you would avoid using this product again, wouldn’t you?
This is especially true for children because the addition of sweeteners is vital to them. Most of the children’s toothpaste has enhanced their taste and flashy containers to help the child look forward to brushing his teeth. Without these sweeteners, these toothpastes are unlikely to have the draw that is required for children to form good brushing habits.
Some people may ask if, could sweeteners damage their teeth, and it is important to note that the sugar in toothpaste and sodium saccharin sweetener are two different things. In contrast to sugar hemic and supports bacteria in the mouth, which causes tooth decay, sodium saccharin is harmless to teeth. Sodium saccharin has been used as an alternative to sugar for sweetening oral care products because of this difference.
For those wishing to minimize sweeteners to the maximum, there are such toothpastes as toothpaste without additional sweeteners or toothpaste without sugar, but often such products cannot make the unforgettable taste of traditional counterparts.
Is Sodium Saccharin Bad For Your Teeth?
While there has never been any solid evidence that it is bad for your teeth it is recommended that you avoid it in large amounts. In this case, although sodium saccharin used in toothpaste does not pose any danger directly to the teeth, its use should be considered more carefully. Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener formulated to be used in foods with no nutritive value. Ingestion of such additives in recommended products such as toothpaste, in large quantities may have health concerns.
In normal circumstances, saccharin has been proven to be innocuous but when taken at high concentrations have been proven to inhibit the secretion of other digestive enzymes in the intestine and also decrease the rate of intestinal absorption. This aggravates the need to do so, especially now that there is proof saccharin is present in other things other than toothpaste for instance; such as sodium saccharin in processed foods and beverages.
Saccharin is also recognized as a low-level carcinogen with the ability to cause cancer depending on the research done. However, being a carcinogen, though at the concentrations present in toothpaste it does not pose much harm, all toothpaste contain it and have had this restriction imposed on them in many western countries due to their reputation. All these issues are closely related to individuals with compromised health and especially those with diabetes should not use such types of toothpaste containing saccharin.
Safer choices might include toothpaste without artificial sweeteners containing all-natural ingredients or simply toothpaste without sugar. These products depend on natural flavor enhancing and sweetening components which are associated with lesser controversy than the ones mentioned above.
Sodium Saccharin in Toothpaste Side Effects
Although the function of sodium saccharin in toothpaste is to act as a flavor enhancer, one should bear in mind some of the effects that come with the compound. Sodium saccharin is relatively safe when taken in moderate amounts but when ingested in large portions from different products there are health implications. Conventional toothpaste containing this chemical does not require its consumption but those people who are sensitive and sensitive to synthetic substances may encounter mild irritation of the oral cavity and skin rashes.
A related factor to consider is the fact that it has also been reported to be lingering around in many commonly used products. Sweeteners In processed foods and beverages saccharin is one common component. Continual exposure to these chemicals over time can also amplify the potential harm done by ingesting toothpaste because none of these products act alone present a severe danger yet.
Saccharin-containing toothpaste is not good for people with certain medical conditions like diabetes. Although sodium saccharin sweetener is not a caloric sweetener that raises blood sugar, the health consequences subject it to more negative attributes for diabetic individuals. Such risks can be minimized by making new choices such as toothpaste without artificial sweeteners or even toothpaste without sugar.
Exploring Safer Sodium Saccharin Substitutes in Toothpaste
The global trends towards the development of healthy oral care products have only emerged recently, introducing such novelty as toothpaste without artificial sweeteners and others. These products may contain xylitol or stevia –plant-based sweeteners that people generally believe are more harmless than others. Also, natural toothpaste brands avoid synthetic ingredients in their product mainly to satisfy the needs of clients with healthy habits.
It is a fact that sodium saccharin today some manufacturers are considering the addition of sodium saccharin in mouthwash because it has the potential to overcome undesirable taste and improve the user experience. However, similar to what applies above about the health hazards or other risks involved with the business, the same applies here.
For those who may wish to purchase the ingredient directly, many sodium saccharin suppliers provide the compound in different forms including sodium saccharin powder. Nevertheless, any production that uses saccharin needs to be controlled and only used in moderation and compliance with the health guidelines.
Conclusion
The safety of sodium saccharin in toothpaste requires the conditions of individuals who use toothpaste to be considered. On a functional level, saccharin is a synthetic sweetener that provides functional benefits like improving the perceptual review of the toothpaste, lessening poor taste, and leading to consumer satisfaction.
But, its possible harm to human health such as owing to its status as a 3A carcinogen and its effects on digestion cannot be overlooked. For those consumers who do not want to consume synthetic additives in their daily lives, there are many options to choose from: toothpaste without artificial sweeteners or toothpaste using natural additives for flavoring.
Taking toothpaste with sodium saccharine depends on a person’s preference and health status. Having knowledge of the uses of sodium saccharin and the side effects that it has, one can be in a position to make the right decision that will benefit his or her oral health and other health complications.
Related Posts:
1. Is Maltodextrin Sugar?
2. The Benefits And Role of Sugar Alcohols in Low-calorie Beverages