Crest & Aim

By:Which one you chosen

Thao Tran, Sean Gillespie, Von Kaukeano

Executive SummeryToothpaste is a necessity for everyone; however, sadly many individuals do not have access to it. Toothpaste not only freshen the breath but also helps fight gum disease. Everyone that does not brush their teeth with toothpaste on a regular bases is susceptible to periodontal (gum) disease, though men are more so, then women. Gum disease can range from simple inflammation to major damage of both soft tissue and the bone that supports the tooth (Periodontal). Your teeth are major parts of your body, so it is best that we take care of them. However, with many different branch and kinds of toothpaste it can be very overwhelming trying to figure out which is right for youIn this research analysis of toothpaste, we will be focusing on two of the most well-known brands of toothpaste in the U.S. Crest and Aim. These 2 brands of toothpaste are very similar but differences do exist. We will inform on topics such as ingredients, taste, aesthetics, pH levels, and so on. We will even give our opinions on which toothpaste is the best overall product to use. There will also be mentioning of other brands such as Sensodyne, for sensitive teeth, or Crest. Our main purpose throughout this report is to inform so that customers can make wise decisions when choosing toothpaste

ReviewSimilarities: Humectants are all same no matter the type of toothpaste Sensitivity toothpastes use potassium nitrate to de-sensitize teeth Hydrated Sillica is present in all toothpaste Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is present in all toothpaste Whitening toothpaste uses Sodium HydroxideDifferences: Anti-tarter agents when included vary Fluoride substances may vary Each toothpaste may have more than one ingredient for each category

Experimental Procedure and Results:Introduction to ToothpasteToothpaste most likely originated in China, Egypt, and India more than 6,000 years ago. In China, twigs and bones were mashed and mixed with water, salt, and flower petals to form a thick paste. This paste was then put on the end of a sharp bamboo leaf and applied to the teeth. This proved to be a very effectivetreatment for gingivitis.In Egypt, manuscripts from the 400s describe a recipe for thebest toothpaste. It includes a mixture of mashed salt, crushed pepper, wet mint leaves, and dried iris flowers. Some evidence also points to a form of urine-based toothpaste that was mainly popular in Rome.Indias toothpaste tradition is based on its strong background of Ayurveda medicine. Special twigs were used for brushing and each twig was naturally filled with sweet nectar. By chewing the twig and rubbing it against the teeth, India became renowned for its white teeth, fresh breath, and clean mouths.Modern day toothpaste consists of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and is infused with fluoride to protect teeth from decay. Cavity protection provided by the best toothpastes has dramatically decreased the number of dentures needed in America

Common Ingredients and their PurposeActive Ingredients:

Fluoride: This is the most important ingredient of toothpaste. This compound prevents tooth decay, and makes teeth stronger. Fluoride compounds restrict the growth of dental plaque. Today, most toothpaste brands contain sodium fluoride (Navel); however, some brands also use sodium monofluorophosphate to protect teeth from cavities. When it comes to preventing tooth decay, one can certainly rely on fluorides. Bacteria thrive on food particles trapped in the oral cavity after having meals. These microbes secrete some acid that are known to damage teeth. Fluoride safeguards teeth from damaging effects of this acid. If tooth decay in its initial stages, then fluoride in toothpaste can even correct this dental problem. Most importantly, daily use of fluoride toothpaste is crucial to maintain enamel strength. Fluoride makes the enamel powerful enough to successfully thwart any kind of bacterial attack. In the presence of fluoride, the enamel is better equipped to deal with acids released by the bacteria. In layman's terms, with regular use of toothpaste, say goodbye to those enamel problems and keep those pearly whites shining for years to come.Tetra sodium Pyrophosphate (Anti-tartar agents): Dental tartar is formed due to deposition of magnesium and calcium on the teeth. Pyrophosphates stop formation of tartar by removing these elements from the saliva. Tartar as we know results from years of deposition of minerals from saliva on the teeth. Initially, a thin coating (plaque) develops on the teeth that hardens and turns black over time, which is nothing but tartar. In order to prevent this hardened dental plaque from occurring, anti-tartar agents are added in the toothpaste.Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda): This is an abrasive, and provides a mild teeth whitening action. It neutralizes acidic saliva, thus maintaining an alkaline environment in the mouth, even hours after brushing. An alkaline environment is not favorable for and hampers the formation of dental plaque. It is a natural teeth whitener and hence effective to remove stains. It is an effective teeth cleaning agent and due to its abrasive action it can clear off those brown and yellow stains. While brushing, baking soda infiltrates the tooth's enamel, which helps to reduce the appearance of the stains that are on the surface of the teeth.Triclosan or Xylitol (Antibacterial agents): Triclosan restricts the formation of dental plaque and has the ability to destroy bacteria. Sometimes, zinc citrate or zinc chloride is also used as an antibacterial agent, to control dental plaque. The combination of zinc chloride and triclosan is effective against bacteria and gum disease. The antibacterial ingredient triclosan basically prevents the bacteria from producing a specific enzyme that is required for its existence.Desensitizing Agents (Potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, potassium citrate): Some people experience acute pain, while eating sweet or frozen desserts, such as ice cream. This happens due to tooth sensitivity problems. Toothpastes containing desensitizing agents help to relieve discomfort and pain that accompanies sensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate is added in toothpastes that are formulated for people with sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate for a few weeks works to decrease the tooth sensitivity.Hydrogen Peroxide (Whitening or abrasive agent): It performs the function of polishing and cleaning the teeth. It is used in toothpastes to remove stains on the surface of teeth. It is an excellent teeth whitening agent that can give a distinctive shine to your teeth. Other than making the teeth whiter, hydrogen peroxide is found to destroy bacterial growth in the oral cavity.

Non-active IngredientsSodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (Foaming agents): These components of toothpaste promote the foaming action. The foaming action ensures that the toothpaste does not spill out of the mouth, while brushing.Alginate or Xanthan (Binding agents): Binding agents maintain the consistency of toothpaste. It binds all the ingredients in toothpaste together. Hydrocolloids, such as alginate or xanthan, are often used as binding agents.Sodium Benzoate or Ethyl paraben (Preservatives): Preservatives play an important role in keeping the toothpaste free from micro-organisms. Sodium benzoate prevents the buildup of micro-organisms in the toothpaste, and is the reason why there is no need to keep toothpastes in refrigerators.Humectant (Water, sorbitol or glycerin): This is also an essential ingredient of toothpaste, as it does not allow the toothpaste to dry up. Humectants hold or retain moisture, so that the paste does not become dry, when not in use. However, when exposed to air (when the toothpaste cap is kept open), its ability to hold moisture reduces drastically.Flavor: Nowadays, a number of flavors are used, to impart a yummy taste to the toothpaste. People experience fresh breath due to these enhanced flavoring agents. Mint is the most popular flavor, that ensures you enjoy brushing your teeth.Sodium Saccharine (Sweetening agent): This ingredient is added to the toothpaste to make it sweet. Toothpaste without a sweetening agent does not taste good. Hence, to make it fit for oral use, sodium saccharine is used.Titanium Dioxide (Coloring agent): Coloring agents give a pleasing color to the toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is commonly used to give toothpaste its white color. Artificial dyes are added to make red, blue and green toothpastes.Ingredients such as vitamins, herbs, mouthwash, etc., are often added in the formulation of toothpaste, to make it more effective in controlling bad breath and plaque formation. A point to note that although toothpaste ingredients contribute to keep teeth and gums healthy, oral care is incomplete without flossing. So, besides brushing twice a day, make sure to floss your teeth daily and of course don't forget to take a trip to your dentist for professional cleaning once in a year.

The pH level of each toothpaste brand in our experiment was produced by the fluoride concentration given in the back of every toothpaste container. The compound of fluoride added with distilled water would give us the concentration of the hydrogen ion within the substance Equation Example with Sodium Fluoride concentration of Crest-Pro :Fluoride concentration is 0.15%

Find pH : -log = 7.1 pHToothpaste BrandFluoride IngredientpH Estimated levelAcid or Base

CrestStannous Fluoride0.15%7.1Base

AimSodium Fluoride0.8%7.4Base

SensodyneSodium Fluoride0.13%7.14Base

As the Fluoride concentration decreases the more basic the toothpaste becomes

Sagging Behavior of Different Types

Toothpaste exhibits a behavior of decreased viscosity with an increasing in stress or agitation. In essence the toothpaste begins to sag as it is irritated by squeezing, mixing, brushing, or any other form of contact. This decline in viscosity is known as the sagging behavior of toothpaste. When the toothpaste is not irritated it will not spontaneously pour out of the tube if the cap is removed. The paste only exits the tube when it is squeezed out going from a solid to an extremely thick liquid. Once the stress from squeezing the toothpaste is gone and it says on the brush it enters a semisolid state until it is brushed against the teeth agitating it enough to form a foamy liquid that is later spit out from the mouth. Centipoises (cps) is the measurement of viscosity it is the amount of force necessary to move a layer of liquid in relation to another liquid (Wise Geek, 2010). The preferred viscosity of toothpaste is between 400, 00 and 1,400,000 cps (WIPO, 2010). (Physics Info, 2010)

Market Research What the people likeAfter a survey taken by toothpaste purchasing males and females of different races ranging from age 18 to 74 it has been determined that the average spending limit on one tube of toothpaste is $3.57. When asked about flavor, the 3 favorite flavors are spearmint with 9 votes, wintergreen with 6 votes, and mint with 5 votes. The results of the survey determined that 9 out of 10 people prefer gel toothpaste rather than a paste, and that all of the participants prefer smooth toothpaste to crunchy toothpaste. When asked what the preferred volume of toothpaste the consumer would most likely purchase the consumers favored an averaged tube size of 10.43 oz. The participants were also asked whether they believed toothpaste with fluoride is healthier or less healthy than toothpaste without fluoride. The results of this question revealed that all of participants believe toothpaste with fluoride is healthier than toothpaste without it (Toothpaste Survey) Tube Manufacture ProcessFirst the ingredients are mixed in a mixing vat (barrel). An average barrel can contain 10,000 ounces of toothpaste. To make the tube containing the toothpaste is an automated manufacturing process done in factories across the globe. The tube is made from aluminum due to its cheap cost and light weight. Slugs are formed into a tube with a neck via a hydraulic press. The neck then goes through two synchronized blades that give it the screw ridges necessary to later attach the cap. The inside is then coated with poxy-lacquer to form a protective barrier between the aluminum and the contents. Rollers then apply polyester enamel paint to the exterior of the tube. From here the tubes are put into an oven to dry the paint before it is rolled up against a printing plate that transfers the data in ink to the tube. Next the cap is screwed on and latex sealant is sprayed onto the end of the tube to help the tube seal when crime. Each empty tube sells for about 12 cents each as they are sold to toothpaste companies and sent to the toothpaste factories where the paste is inserted. The tube is sealed, shipped and now ready for consumer purchased (Live video, 2010)

Personal Experiments

Taste testDescribe each taste of toothpaste and rank from 1 to 5

NamesCrestAimSensodyne

THAO442

SEAN442

VON322

Toothpaste products that have a minty flavor are more preferred because it gives a sense of complete freshness, which is often the primary desire of users of toothpaste. Appearance EvaluationProduct description and Group Rank 1 to 5CrestAimSensodyne

Color of ProductBlue Red WhiteBlue Red WhiteWhite Blue

Cap DescriptionFlip CapFlip CapRemovable

Distinguishable MarkingsRed c in CrestRed Background behind Aim TitleClear blue lettering

Group Rating342

Aim prides itself on being a family friendly product but lacks an appeal to children having only minty and cinnamon flavors

Work CitedDefinition:Plaque. Teeth dental Information Adults Childen. Dental Care Guide. Dentistry. Web. 29 Oct. 2011HowStuffWorks Chemistry in a Tube of Toothpaste HowStuffWorks Science Web.29 Oct. 2011Periodontal (Gum) Disease :Cause, Symptoms and Treatment. NIDCR Home. NIDCR. Web 02 Nov. 2011SaveYourSmile Inc. Toothpaste-Whats In it? Your Dental Health. SaveYourSmile Inc, 2007.Web. 04 Nov. 2011Viscosity. The Physics Hypertextbook. 2010.25 Mar.2010WEB DENTAL OFFICE Dental Advice for Improved Oral Health. Users Start Page. Abyss Design, 1998. Web. 02 Nov. 2011What is Centipoise?. Wise GEEK. 15 Mar. 2010. 25 March. 2010Why Is There a Poison Warning on Fluoride Toothpaste?. Fluoride Action Network. Fluoride Action Network, Jan. 2005. Web. 04 Nov.2011