How Does Dog Toothpaste Differ From Human Toothpaste?
-
Flavor
-
Human toothpaste comes in a variety of fresh minty and fruity flavors designed to kill the odors that cause bad breath. They foam up, causing a tingling sensation that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Dog toothpaste comes in flavors to make it more appealing and enjoyable to a dog such as poultry and beef. These dog toothpastes do not foam at all while you brush your dog's teeth. Apparently, the goal of dog toothpaste is not to give a dog fresh or clean breath that would appeal to humans. Instead, it controls bad breath by removing tartar and helping to control gum disease.
Active Ingredients
-
Human toothpaste contains the active ingredient fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Other active ingredients include antibacterial agents such as Triclosan to control plaque, Sodium bicarbonate, enzymes, and Xylitol to reduce bacteria. One must spit human toothpaste out after brushing because fluoride can be toxic if too much is swallowed. Dog toothpaste on the other hand is completely digestible. The active ingredients in most dog toothpaste include Glucose Oxidase and Lactoperoxidase. These ingredients have properties that help to break down sugar, and they are natural preservatives.
-
Inactive Ingredients
-
Inactive ingredients used in human toothpaste differ depending on the brand you use. However, the ingredients do serve the same general purposes. These human toothpastes include water, foaming agents, binding agents, abrasives to clean and polish teeth, humectants to retain moisture, preservatives, flavors, sweeteners and artificial coloring. Human toothpaste may include tartar-control agents, sensitivity reducers and teeth whiteners. Dog toothpaste ingredients also differ by manufacturer. Many contain hydrated silica or dicalcium phosphate, which may serve as abrasives since they are insoluble in water. Most contain sorbitol that may serve as a sweetener as well as humectants. Flavors in dog toothpaste include natural flavors from beef or poultry. Some contain sodium carrageenan made from seaweed and nourishing to the gums. A few contain artificial colors, but most do not.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Julia Fuller
