How does toothpaste work?

We all use toothpaste as part of our daily routine but when you consider it's a product you put in your mouth every single day, have you ever wondered what's actually in it and how it works?

What toothpaste needs to do

A good toothpaste needs to cover a few essentials. It should effectively remove plaque and food debris, lift surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth, clean and fresh.

Crucially, it also needs to neutralise acidity in the mouth a by-product of the breakdown of food particles by microorganisms. If these acids aren't regularly removed by careful brushing, they can damage tooth enamel, resulting in painful cavities and decay. These acids and bacteria can also lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss. So choosing the right toothpaste really does matter.

What's in your toothpaste?

Ingredients vary depending on the type of toothpaste, so it's worth knowing what to look for and what to avoid.

Hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the majority of your tooth enamel. In modern toothpaste, it helps strengthen and remineralise the enamel surface, supports a smoother tooth appearance and contributes to a brighter-looking smile over time without the need for fluoride.

Our Hydroxyapatite Whitening Toothpaste is built around this ingredient for daily enamel support and gentle whitening.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are included in modern oral care formulas to support the mouth's natural microbiome — feeding the good bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy oral environment. Our Cloudberry + Mint Prebiotic Toothpaste contains FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), a prebiotic fibre that nourishes beneficial oral bacteria with every brush.

Abrasives

A mild abrasive agent is needed to remove food particles and plaque  preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria on the teeth. The key is gentle effectiveness. Harsh abrasives can damage enamel over time, which is why Polished London uses mild, enamel-safe polishing ingredients like perlite.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is a foaming agent found in many toothpastes. It's a known irritant that can cause unnecessary dryness and irritation of the tissues in some people. Polished London toothpastes do not contain SLS.

Palm Oil

Many toothpaste brands use palm oil as a cheap ingredient. Large-scale palm oil production has caused the decimation of tropical rainforests and the loss of habitat for endangered species. Polished London toothpastes do not contain palm oil. We're also PETA-approved vegan and cruelty-free.

Flavouring

Most brands use synthetic mint flavouring to mask the taste of other ingredients. Our toothpastes use natural flavourings including cloudberry and mint oils for a taste that's genuinely enjoyable.

How to brush properly

The best toothpaste in the world only works if you're brushing correctly. Dental experts agree that twice daily brushing is the first line of defence against plaque, decay and gum disease.

• Use a circular motion - work around your mouth in small circles, a few teeth at a time. Avoid back-and-forth scrubbing which can damage gums.
• Cover all surfaces - outside, inside and chewing surfaces of every tooth, for a full two minutes.
• Brush your tongue - bacteria on the tongue is a leading cause of bad breath.
• Don't rinse immediately - allow the active ingredients to remain on the teeth for a little while after brushing.

Manual or electric toothbrush?

A good quality electric toothbrush removes plaque and reaches areas a manual brush simply can't. Our Sonic XP Electric Toothbrush delivers 40,000 brush strokes per minute using powerful sonic vibration technology — up to 10x more plaque removal than a manual brush, with a built-in two-minute timer and five smart modes.

How often should you brush?

Twice daily as a minimum morning and night. Replace your toothbrush or brush head every two to three months. And remember: an extra clean after something particularly sugary or staining is always a good idea.

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Shop Polished London toothpastes:

• Cloudberry + Mint Prebiotic Toothpaste - prebiotic FOS formula, naturally flavoured, SLS-free.
• Hydroxyapatite Whitening Toothpaste - enamel-strengthening daily whitening.
• Sonic XP Electric Toothbrush - 40,000 strokes per minute for an advanced clean.
• Vanilla Dental Floss - complete your daily oral care routine.