Silica (silicon dioxide), as a key ingredient in toothpaste, primarily acts as an abrasive and thickener, significantly impacting tooth cleaning and oral health. The following is a detailed analysis of the functions of silica in toothpaste:

I. Primary Functions of Silica in Toothpaste
Physical Abrasive Cleaning:
Serving as the primary abrasive, it removes food debris, soft plaque, and dental plaque from tooth surfaces through mechanical friction. Micron-sized spherical hydrated silica particles are only 3.8μm in size (one-third the size of traditional abrasives) and have an RDA value of approximately 75, resulting in a 60% lower abrasiveness than calcium carbonate, achieving a "gentle polish." It is particularly suitable for removing exogenous pigments such as smoke and coffee stains, achieving a stain removal efficiency of 96% in 8 weeks.

Paste Stability Control:
Serves as a thickener to maintain the uniformity and stability of toothpaste paste.
Prevents separation of toothpaste ingredients, ensuring consistent ratios between uses.
Imparts the toothpaste with appropriate viscosity and thixotropy for easy extrusion and application.

Special Performance Advantages:
Excellent transparency, suitable for producing crystal-clear, transparent toothpaste.
Excellent chemical stability, no adverse reactions with other toothpaste ingredients.
Non-toxic, odorless, highly safe, suitable for all types of use.

II. Comparison of Silica with Other Toothpaste Abrasives
Performance Indicators: Silica (Silica) Calcium Carbonate Calcium Hydrogen Phosphat
Residue of Wear (RDA) Approximately 75 >100 80-90
Enamel Damage: Minor Moderate
Transparency: High Opaque Opaque
Cleaning Performance: Excellent Good
Suitable for: Sensitive Teeth/Whitening Needs, General Cleaning General Cleaning

Silica has significant advantages over traditional abrasives:
Abrasion rate is 60% lower than calcium carbonate, making it gentler on tooth enamel.
It is often combined with pyrophosphate to form a composite abrasive particle for enhanced cleaning effectiveness.
It is suitable for those who require a high level of improvement in exogenous pigmentation.

III. Silica Dosage in Toothpaste
Typical Dosage Range:
Usually 200-300 parts by weight are added to the toothpaste formula.
The specific dosage will vary depending on the toothpaste type and functional requirements.

Formula Example:
Sorbitol: 550-650 parts
Glycerin: 30-50 parts
Precipitated Silica (Silica): 200-300 parts 0 parts
CMC: 5-10 parts
Fragrance: 1-5 parts
Sodium fluoride: 3-8 parts

Product Applications:
Commonly used in high-end whitening toothpastes
Particularly suitable for those seeking to improve yellow teeth and stubborn stains
Suitable for family use by all ages (adult supervision required for children under 6 years old)

IV. Mechanism of Action and Scientific Principles
Microscopic Cleaning Mechanism:
Hydrated silica particles have a large surface area and strong adsorption capacity. They remove stains through a combination of physical friction and chemical adsorption. Their micron-sized spherical structure ensures effective cleaning while reducing enamel wear

Combined Cleaning System:
Often formulated with tetrasodium pyrophosphate A synergistic approach combining physical friction and chemical inhibition.
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can inhibit tartar formation and reduce pigment attachment.
This combination can reduce secondary pigment deposition by up to 75%.

Biocompatibility:
Silicon dioxide has excellent compatibility with human tissues.
Does not cause oral mucosal irritation or allergic reactions.
Long-term safety has been fully verified.

V. Purchasing Recommendations and Precautions
Intended Use:
Particularly suitable for those with exogenous pigmentation such as smoke and coffee stains.
Can also be used by those with sensitive teeth (more gentle than calcium carbonate).
Pregnant women and children are advised to choose a low-abrasive toothpaste containing white carbon black.

Usage Recommendations Use the correct brushing technique (Bass method) twice daily, brushing for at least two minutes each time. Regularly switch to a toothpaste with different strengths for comprehensive oral care. Product Selection: Check the ingredient list to confirm the presence of "hydrated silica" or "silicon dioxide." Opt for products with an RDA value between 70 and 90. Consider toothpastes with compound formulas containing white carbon (such as sodium phytate or tetrasodium pyrophosphate). White carbon has become an essential ingredient in modern toothpastes due to its excellent cleaning performance, low abrasion properties, and good biocompatibility. It is particularly suitable for consumers who seek gentle yet effective cleaning.