Modern oral care products are complex formulations. They contain several ingredients to eliminate the bacteria. Plus, they are easy to consume and leave a refreshing aftertaste. Most advanced formulations provide an extended-release of pleasant smell and taste.
Why? They contain certain chemicals that can act as flavors. Flavor is an undeniable part of any oral care product. This blog will discuss the major components of oral hygiene products and help you understand where those flavors come from.
Composition of oral hygiene products
Oral hygiene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss) can clean your teeth. They also combat bacteria and freshen your breath. However, their cooling and minty freshness comes from selected aroma chemicals. These chemicals can stimulate the senses and mask bad odors.
Ideal composition of toothpaste and mouthwash
A toothpaste usually contains abrasives (20-50%), humectants (20-30%), binders (1-2%), fluoride (0.1-0.3%), and aroma chemicals (1-1.5%)
On the other hand, a strong mouthwash formulation contains antimicrobial agents (0.05-0.1%), alcohol (5-27%), humectants (5-15%), surfactants (0.5-2%), flavors and aroma chemicals (0.5-1.5%).
The role of minty aroma chemicals
As we discussed, aroma chemicals play an important role in oral care products. Most times menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and synthetic cooling agents give that refreshing effect in oral care products. These compounds activate cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth. It helps them create a cooling sensation. You can feel this sensation while the active component neutralizes bad breath. Mentioned below are some commonly used aroma chemicals in oral hygiene products.
Menthol
Menthol is irreplaceable in oral hygiene products. It can deliver a deep cooling sensation and leaves a minty aftertaste. It can activate the TRPM8 receptors to create an immediate feeling of freshness. However, it can act beyond its sensory function by enhancing the consumer experience. Whether it's daily-use toothpaste or strong mouth rinses, menthol can provide a consistent after-feel that attracts consumers.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol gives a sharp, and slightly medicinal aroma to your oral care products. This aroma chemical can add a refreshing note and contains mild antiseptic properties. It also boosts the antimicrobial activity in some mouthwashes (however, it depends on the formulation). Its stability and compatibility with other active ingredients make it a popular choice in therapeutic oral formulations.
Thymol Methyl Ether
Thymol methyl ether offers a herbal-spicy profile. It can provide a more stable and longer-lasting alternative to natural thymol. It can enhance the flavor longevity of oral care products. You may find it in combination with other minty or medicinal compounds. Thymol methyl ether ensures a balanced and lingering freshness in most mouthwashes. It is ideal for flavored mouthwashes and toothpaste.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can deliver the classic and popular minty flavor. Most times lab-made peppermint oil has better consistency and control. Its primary role is to mask the bitter or chemical aftertaste of active ingredients like fluoride. That is how it improves palatability for customers. The balanced sweetness and cooling effect of peppermint oil make it a universal favorite in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and chewing gums.
L- Carvone
L-Carvone is a great alternative to spearmint oil. It can deliver a sweet and slightly grassy mint flavor that distinguishes it from peppermint. Its milder profile makes it suitable for children’s toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwashes. Since it is gentle in nature yet effective in freshness, it is widely used in chewing gums and mouthwashes. Lastly, L-Carvone can also prevent flavor fatigue and expand consumer choice in oral care products.
Conclusion
The ideal oral care product combines cleaning agents with the right portions of aroma chemicals. The choice of aroma chemicals can impact your product’s quality and consumer satisfaction. Visit SBBLG if you want high-quality aroma chemicals for your products. We are a large-scale supplier of aroma chemicals with 12500 tonnes/annum production capacity. Visit our website or get in touch with us at sales@sbblgroup.com.
