Antiplaque

Ingredients with antiplaque function are used in oral care products, primarily in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Their task is to reduce the formation of soft plaque on the surface of teeth, that is, bacterial film, which over time can contribute to bad breath, gum inflammation and tartar formation. Such components work in different ways: they can reduce the attachment of bacteria to the enamel, restrain their growth, or make plaque less dense and easier to remove with regular cleaning. Unlike ingredients for skin or hair, they do not affect the texture of the product as such, but rather the hygienic effectiveness of the formula in the oral cavity. The presence of such a function and the INCI-names themselves is monitored in the European CosIng database, and the use of ingredients in cosmetics and hygiene products requires a separate safety assessment. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Typical examples are zinc—Zinc Citrate and Stannous Fluoride. Soluble zinc salts, including zinc citrate, are considered by European scientific authorities as ingredients for oral hygiene products; they help control bacterial plaque and at the same time can reduce unpleasant odor by acting on volatile sulfur compounds. (health.ec.europa.eu Tin fluoride is known not only as an anti-caries component, but also as an asset for products aimed at reducing plaque and maintaining gum health. It is important to understand that the severity of the effect depends on the entire formula of the product, the concentration of the substance and the regularity of use, and not just on one ingredient. (precision.fda.gov)