37 replies to this topic

[chrono]

I've been using NOW XyliWhite for 3-4 weeks. I wasn't really looking for a whitening effect, but it was the only xylitol toothpaste my local shop had on hand. I must say that my teeth are noticeably whiter. I haven't researched yet if it might be too abrasive for long-term use.

[Logan]

I've been using NOW XyliWhite for 3-4 weeks. I wasn't really looking for a whitening effect, but it was the only xylitol toothpaste my local shop had on hand. I must say that my teeth are noticeably whiter. I haven't researched yet if it might be too abrasive for long-term use.

I'm assuming that xylitol's whitening effect is a result of it's ability to remineralize and rebuild enamel of teeth. I may be ordering some XyliWhite soon. Thanks for the input.

http://www.google.co...CuCWRMRhEI4siNA

I also wonder if brushing with straight up xylitol and swishing xylitol and water in the mouth would have the same effect.

Edited by morganator, 31 July 2010 - 07:46 AM.

[chrono]

Well, XyliWhite also contains something called papain:

In a nutshell, papain is an enzyme that digests proteins. Some of the stains and plaque on teeth are proteins. So, papain can digest and remove them.

Here is a quote from a patent application:
"Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with low specificity, suitable for cleaning the salivary protein plaque that has a whitening effect on the tooth surfaces. A valued enzymatic extract can be used, whose proteolytic activity has been adjusted to a constant value, from a latex obtained from unripe fruits of the Carica papaya (papaya). Papain hydrolysed proteins, amides and amino acid esters, and its activity is associated with the presence of free sulphyl (--SH) groups in its active center."
Papain, which comes from papaya fruit, is also being introduced into other cleaning formulations, anywhere, in fact, that there is protein that needs to be removed. [mahalo]

Here's what Wikipedia mentions about it:

Papain can also be found as an ingredient in some toothpastes or mints as teeth-whitener. Its whitening effect in toothpastes and mints however is minimal, because the papain is present in low concentrations, and will be quickly diluted by saliva. It would take several months of using the whitening product to have noticeably whiter teeth.

[Logan]

Well, XyliWhite also contains something called papain:

In a nutshell, papain is an enzyme that digests proteins. Some of the stains and plaque on teeth are proteins. So, papain can digest and remove them.

Here is a quote from a patent application:
"Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with low specificity, suitable for cleaning the salivary protein plaque that has a whitening effect on the tooth surfaces. A valued enzymatic extract can be used, whose proteolytic activity has been adjusted to a constant value, from a latex obtained from unripe fruits of the Carica papaya (papaya). Papain hydrolysed proteins, amides and amino acid esters, and its activity is associated with the presence of free sulphyl (--SH) groups in its active center."
Papain, which comes from papaya fruit, is also being introduced into other cleaning formulations, anywhere, in fact, that there is protein that needs to be removed. [mahalo]

Here's what Wikipedia mentions about it:

Papain can also be found as an ingredient in some toothpastes or mints as teeth-whitener. Its whitening effect in toothpastes and mints however is minimal, because the papain is present in low concentrations, and will be quickly diluted by saliva. It would take several months of using the whitening product to have noticeably whiter teeth.

Ahh, so now I just need to get a hold of some papain powder and mix it with xylitol, baking soda, organic aloe vera gel(the one for drinking) and a little purified water and whala! Homemade toothpaste!

Edited by morganator, 31 July 2010 - 09:30 AM.

[chrono]

Ahh, so now I just need to get a hold of some papain powder and mix it with xylitol, baking soda, organic aloe vera gel(the one for drinking) and a little purified water and whala! Homemade toothpaste!

Kalyx has a good deal on 1lb papain powder, and LEF sells 100g botles.

I definitely dig the DIY approach. But from what I've read so far, I'd be a little concerned about trying to formulate a complete toothpaste, without doing a lot of precise research. There were a few posts suggesting that the abrasiveness (probably partly the bicarb) needs to be in a certain range to be efficacious but non-wearing.

I think I'll probably find a good general product (I might switch to Spry if I order from someplace that has it), and then just try to get aloe saccharides (and other esoteric compounds) into a form I can easily brush with separately.

Edited by chrono, 01 August 2010 - 02:37 PM.

[Logan]

Theraneem looks like they make a good natural toothpaste, maybe better than Spry.

http://www.google.co...S2xmBENkHJ8SmEQ

Then there is this Jason toothpaste with enzymes for whitening.

http://www.google.co...v3Gwf8K6QY4xGqQ

Both products have xylitol. The Jason product may be superior because it has neem and the enzymes.

I'm always skeptical about some of the "natural" preservatives they use in these toothpastes. Theraneem has sodium lauroyl glutamate and Jason uses sodium cocoyl glutamate. I'm guessing they are very similar. Just checked them both out and they seem to be harmless. There is some concern that there they have not been studied enough but otherwise they look like pretty safe ingredients.

[sdxl]

I'm always skeptical about some of the "natural" preservatives they use in these toothpastes. Theraneem has sodium lauroyl glutamate and Jason uses sodium cocoyl glutamate.

These aren't preservatives, they are surfactants.

[Logan]

I'm always skeptical about some of the "natural" preservatives they use in these toothpastes. Theraneem has sodium lauroyl glutamate and Jason uses sodium cocoyl glutamate.

These aren't preservatives, they are surfactants.

Ah yes, I thought I might have that wrong. Thanks for the correction.

Edited by morganator, 02 August 2010 - 01:49 AM.