dentifrice

dentifrice

 [den″tĭ-fris]

a preparation for cleansing and polishing the teeth; some contain agents for whitening. Those containing fluoride inhibit formation of dental caries; those containing triclosan help inhibit formation of gingivitis and plaque.

den·ti·frice

(den'ti-fris),

Any preparation used in the cleansing of the teeth, for example, a tooth powder, toothpaste, or tooth wash.

[L. dentifricium, fr. dens, tooth, + frico, pp. frictus, to rub]

dentifrice

/den·ti·frice/ (den´tĭ-fris) a preparation for cleansing and polishing the teeth; it may contain a therapeutic agent, such as fluoride, to inhibit dental caries.

dentifrice

(dĕn′tə-frĭs′)

n.

A substance, such as a paste or powder, for cleaning the teeth.

dentifrice

[den′tifris]

Etymology: L, dens + fricare, to rub

a pharmaceutic compound used with a toothbrush for cleaning and polishing the teeth. It typically contains a mild abrasive, detergent, flavoring agent, fluoride, and binder. Other common ingredients are deodorants, humectants, desensitizers, and various medications to prevent dental caries. Also called toothpaste.

den·ti·frice

(den'ti-fris)

Any preparation used in the cleansing of the teeth, e.g., a tooth powder, toothpaste, or tooth wash.

dentifrice

See TOOTHPASTE.

den·ti·frice

(den'ti-fris)

Any preparation used to cleanse teeth, e.g., a tooth powder, toothpaste, or tooth wash.

dentifrice (toothpaste) (den´təfris´),

n a pharmaceutical compound used in conjunction with the toothbrush to clean and polish the teeth. Contains a mild abrasive, a detergent, a flavoring agent, a binder, and occasionally deodorants and various medicaments designed as caries preventives (e.g., antiseptics).

dentifrice abrasion,

n See abrasion, dentifrice.

dentifrice, anticalculus

(an´tēkal´kyələs),
n a commercially available toothpaste, gel, or powder formulated to inhibit the development of new calculus and which contains, among other ingredients, either pyrophosphate or zinc. It has no effect on existing calculus.

dentifrice, calculus-control,

n See dentifrice, anticalculus.

dentifrice, cosmetic,

n a dentifrice, or solution, applied to a toothbrush or other cleaning device in order to remove tooth deposits such as stain and plaque. It has an effect on teeth appearance over the short term.

dentifrice, flavoring agents,

n an additive in liquid, powder, or paste oral hygiene products designed to enhance the product's taste. Flavors tend to be mint and are derived primarily from essential oils.

dentifrice, foaming agents in,

n the detergents or surfactants that generate foam. These nontoxic, chemically compatible ingredients also serve to remove unwanted matter from dental surfaces, make teeth feel smoother, and break down stains and deposits.

dentifrice, therapeutic

(den´təfris ther´əpū´tik),
n a material or substance, such as mouthwash, prompting physical changes that positively influence dental health.