What Most Dentists and Patients Don’t Know About Oral Care Ingredients
By Dr. Pooneh Sabo, DDS
In recent years, patients have become increasingly aware of the importance of ingredients in the products they use on their skin, hair, and body. However, oral care products—used daily and absorbed through highly vascular oral tissues—have received far less scrutiny. As a practicing dentist with over two decades of clinical experience, I have observed a growing gap between product marketing claims and the biological realities of oral health.
The oral cavity is not an isolated system. The gingival tissues are highly permeable, and substances placed in the mouth can enter systemic circulation more readily than many patients realize. Despite this, many commonly used oral care products contain ingredients that may contribute to tissue irritation, microbiome disruption, or long-term enamel compromise when used improperly or excessively.
Ready for a confident, healthy smile?
Located in Santa Ana California
One example is the widespread use of high-abrasivity whitening toothpastes. While these products promise cosmetic improvement, excessive abrasivity can contribute to gradual enamel thinning and dentin exposure, increasing sensitivity and long-term structural vulnerability. Enamel does not regenerate. Preservation, rather than aggressive removal of surface stains, should be the clinical priority.
Similarly, certain alcohol-based mouth rinses can contribute to oral dryness by reducing salivary flow. Saliva plays a critical protective role in buffering acids, maintaining microbial balance, and facilitating remineralization. Chronic reduction in salivary function can increase the risk of caries, gingival inflammation, and overall oral dysbiosis.
Another area of increasing clinical interest is the role of remineralizing agents and biomimetic materials. Modern research has introduced alternatives that support enamel structure and promote natural repair mechanisms. These approaches reflect a broader shift toward minimally invasive and biologically supportive dentistry, where preservation of natural tooth structure is prioritized over aggressive intervention.
Patients often assume that over-the-counter oral care products are inherently safe simply because they are widely available. However, formulation quality, ingredient concentrations, abrasivity levels, and frequency of use all play critical roles in determining whether a product supports or undermines oral health.
Dentists have a responsibility not only to treat disease but also to educate patients on preventive strategies and product selection. As dentistry evolves, there is increasing emphasis on long-term preservation, material biocompatibility, and evidence-based care that supports the natural integrity of the dentition.
Oral care should not be driven solely by cosmetic trends or marketing claims, but by scientific understanding of enamel biology, oral microbiology, and tissue health. By prioritizing preservation, safety, and evidence-based product selection, dentists can help patients maintain healthier dentitions throughout their lives.
