The thing that starts our day in the morning is toothpaste. Toothpaste plays an important role in our everyday life but do you know how old is the history of toothpaste?
Egyptians started using a paste to keep their teeth clean about 5 thousand years ago. However, at that time it was not known as toothpaste. After this, Greek and Roman civilizations also used similar pastes. If we talk about India and China, the people here started using toothpaste for the first time around 500 BC.
Many types of chemicals are used in modern toothpaste which take care of our teeth. Like the abrasives, fluorides, detergents and humectants found in it help in removing plaque and debris from our teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. At the same time, detergent works to bring foam in toothpaste.
Today’s toothpastes also contain flavoring agents, antibacterial agents, and natural ingredients, such as baking soda and herbal extracts, that help clean teeth. However, after some incidents, a debate broke out on whether non-veg ingredients are added to our toothpaste?
However, according to the dentist, no non-veg ingredient is required to protect teeth from cavity. Toothpaste contains enough ingredients like fluoride, abrasives (like calcium carbonate or silica) and humectants (like glycerin). Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. While abrasives and humectants help remove plaque and debris. Still, there are many ways to check it.
How to Identify Nonveg Ingredients in Toothpaste?
It is important for consumers in India to know whether the toothpaste they use is vegetarian or nonvegetarian. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made some clear rules and guidelines in this regard, so that consumers can get correct information. Let us know how to identify whether your toothpaste is veg or non-veg.
Look for marks on packaging
As per FSSAI regulations, all food and personal care products are required to have clear labeling. In case of toothpaste:
Green Point: This is an indication of a vegetarian product.
brown triangle: This is an indication of nonvegetarian product.
Read the list of ingredients
Read the ingredients written on the toothpaste package carefully. Some common nonvegan ingredients that may be in toothpaste:
Glycerine: If it is made of animal fat.
calcium phosphate: Which is obtained from bones.
Some enzymes: Which can be obtained from animals.
Visit the manufacturer’s website
Many brands provide detailed information about their products and their ingredients on their websites. This information can help you know whether your toothpaste is veg or non-veg.
Contact Customer Service
If the packaging and website do not provide sufficient information then you can contact the customer service of the brand. They can help you answer questions.
What do FSSAI guidelines say?
FSSAI has mandated clear labeling for the convenience of consumers. Under this, there should be clear indication of veg and non-veg on all products. For more details, you can refer to the official documents of FSSAI:
With these simple methods you can identify whether your toothpaste is veg or non-veg, and thus you can select the right product as per your religious and ethical values.
Cavity prevention