Ever found yourself puzzled about choosing a toothpaste brand? Not surprising because toothpaste comes in various colors and mixtures! Maintaining your oral hygiene is a responsibility. But taking care of your teeth is not about having the best smile and pleasant odor only.
Many of you may wonder, does toothpaste have calories?
The calories present in toothpaste depend on the types of ingredients used in it. We’ll review a few different elements to see if it contributes to the calorie count. With that, picking the best types of toothpaste from the store will be easier.
When you buy toothpaste, you will find different benefits it offers. Most of the time, we disregard the nutritional facts listed in the packaging. Worry no more! This article will summarize all the necessary information and health benefits of toothpaste!
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Table of Content
Toothpaste Contents
Toothpaste is a mild base that is alkaline in nature. Toothpaste plays a vital role in our oral hygiene practice. It removes odor and prevents dark spots on teeth.
People have applied toothpaste for a Millenium. Before the 1950s, toothpaste was in the form of powder. And today, toothpaste gel is available everywhere in various packaging.
But did you know that there are many common elements used in toothpaste? The 5 main toothpaste ingredients comprise:
Detergents:
Detergents make the toothpaste foamy. Also, this foam secures the other active ingredients coating your teeth.
Flavoring agents:
Flavors give out a minty and sweet taste. That’s why you feel pleasant when you brush your teeth using toothpaste. Otherwise, it might be raw and flavorless.
Fluoride:
Fluoride is mainly in the form of sodium fluoride. The American Dental Association (ADA) declares that fluoride is a natural cavity fighter.
Fluoride helps fortify the enamel of the teeth. So it becomes less exposed to cavities worn down from acidic meals and beverages. Furthermore, only toothpaste that includes fluoride is ADA license approved.
Humectants:
Humectants keep your toothpaste from drying out and hardening. Besides, it is one of the prevalent forms of sweetening agents in toothpaste.
Mild abrasives:
Abrasives can clear stains and residues when brushed in a circular motion.
Other toothpaste ingredients include:
- Anti-bacterial agents
- Anticalculus agents
- Anti-sensitivity agents
- Water
Toothpaste Nutritional Values
Does toothpaste have calories? First, almost all the toothpaste in the store has similar nutritional values. Still, it may vary according to different brands like Colgate and Sensodyne. Here is a summary of it:
- Fat- 66g
- Cholesterol- 0mg
- Carbs- 1g
- Dietary Fiber- 0g
- Sugar- 0g
- Fat-1g
- Protein- 1g
- Sodium- 0mg
- Potassium- 0mg
- Calcium- 0%
- Iron- 0%
- Vitamin- 0%
Does Toothpaste have Calories?
Ever wondered if toothpaste is causing weight gain? Does toothpaste have calories? Let’s find out!
In general, toothpaste contains calories. Many studies conclude that toothpaste has zero calories. But in reality, standard toothpaste has about one calorie per 100 g quantity.
Sorbitol contributes to calories in the toothpaste. It has three calories per gram and only 20-70% of sorbitol present in toothpaste. Even if you swallowed toothpaste by chance, you don’t need to worry! It will not add to your daily calorie count.
Does Fluoride have Calories?
Fluoride forms in the body as calcium fluoride. It is predominant in the bones and teeth. Fluoride can lower the incidence of future tooth decay by demineralization. So we need extra fluoride in the form of toothpaste every day!
These fluorides come from the minerals in soil and rocks. And the intriguing fact is that sodium fluoride contains ZERO calories. Thus, don’t hesitate to include fluoride as an essential treatment for health benefits.
Though, always consume fluoride in a limited amount as it can cause dental fluorosis. Later, severe symptoms like toothache and staining of the teeth may occur.
Does Toothpaste have Sugar?
Toothpaste has sweetening agents. That means, how long does it take to detox from sugar? Don’t worry! Believe it or not, toothpaste does not contain sugar. Thus, it will not decay your teeth! Types of sweetening agents in toothpaste are:
Sodium saccharin:
Sodium saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners with zero calories. It originates from coal tar, and it is so much sweeter than refined sugar! Hence a limited amount of it in the toothpaste will give a pleasant taste.
Research on rats show that sodium saccharin relates to the occurrence of cancer. But, the latest investigation denied this finding. Thus, it is safe to consume! Still, sodium saccharin does not include any health benefits.
Sorbitol:
Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol known as polyols. Sorbitol is present in small amounts in certain fruits like apricots and berries.
Besides fruits, sorbitol from corn syrup is present in packaged foods and drugs. But be careful when you use sorbitol. It can exert a laxative impact when taken in a large quantity.
Xylitol:
Xylitol in toothpaste is a natural sugar rich in fruits and vegetables. You might be familiar with this as you can find it in sugarless bubble gums and mint candies.
Xylitol does not boost blood sugar levels. It is one of the typical substitutes for sugar. Thus, children, the elderly, and even diabetics can use it. Moreover, xylitol increases saliva production and controls dry mouth.
Are There Carbs in Toothpaste?
Toothpaste has 1g of carbohydrates in it. Glycerol or glycerin is a type of Polyol that belongs to the sugar alcohol group.
The mixture of glycerol and sodium saccharin will make the toothpaste taste sweet. In fact, glycerin is a form of carbohydrate. It is sweet and fragrance-free, found in vegetable oil and animal fats. It has a similar calorie count to sucrose.
Yet the body will not absorb this carb during the tooth-brushing process. Besides, even if you want to burn calories, tooth-brushing for two minutes will help you burn 5.8 calories.
Does toothpaste spike insulin?
Some toothpaste contains artificial sweeteners. Anything sweet can activate an insulin spike. Still, you’re allowed to use toothpaste before a fasting blood glucose test. But be careful not to swallow any of the toothpaste itself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does toothpaste break a fast?
Toothpaste does not break your fast. So, you can use toothpaste while fasting as long as you do not swallow any of it.
But if you’re worried, you may avoid it. Some toothpaste is too strong or sweet in flavor. Thus, it may go down your throat unintended. Instead, you can brush your teeth before the fasting period.
Can you gain weight from toothpaste?
Brushing teeth after meals can help you manage your food cravings. It’s because toothpaste alters your taste buds for the time being. It also prevents overeating and acts as a reminder to stay disciplined. In the longer term, you can lose weight!
Yet it isn’t the same for everyone. Some people feel extra hungry due to the minty flavor and sweet content. Thus, this might affect your appetite resulting in weight gain.
Does brushing your teeth make you feel full?
Brushing your teeth before going to bed will restrict you from eating. It could be due to the hormones that control our appetite.
Besides, the flavor of the toothpaste you use will affect your appetite. In general, the minty flavor is a cue to conclude our meal for the day. Whereas sweetness in the toothpaste will aggravate our hunger response.
Conclusion
Does toothpaste have calories? The brief answer is YES, but it does not affect your weight and nutritional values. Remember, don’t swallow your toothpaste! Be sure to spit and gargle with adequate water.
Brushing your teeth every day will help you enhance your dental health and strength. Always follow your dentist’s guidance. Also, book your appointment twice a year for healthy teeth.
