Aroma Natural de Mentas y Mentol: Frescura y Protección para tu Salud Bucal
Ingredientes

Natural Mint and Menthol Aroma: Freshness and Protection for your Oral Health

Post by ONAK® Salud Bucal
Oct 01 2024

Introduction

Mints, particularly Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha piperita , along with pure menthol , are key ingredients in the dental hygiene industry. Not only do these components provide a refreshing taste to toothpastes, but they also offer oral health benefits. Menthol is a crystalline organic compound that is primarily obtained from mint, but can also be produced synthetically. It is widely used in oral hygiene products due to its ability to provide an intense and long-lasting cooling sensation. Unlike mint essential oils, which can cause allergies in some people, pure menthol offers a safe and effective alternative for those seeking the cooling benefits of mint without the associated risks. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and benefits of each of these ingredients in the context of dental hygiene.

Properties and Benefits of Mints and Pure Menthol in Toothpastes

Comparison Table of Ingredients

Ingredient Intensity of Freshness Antibacterial Properties Common Use in Dental Products
Mint Spicata Gentle Moderate Mild toothpastes, mouthwashes
Peppermint Intense Strong Toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental floss
Pure Menthol Very intense Strong Additive in toothpastes and mouthwashes, breath mints

✔ Long-lasting freshness and clean feeling

Pure menthol provides an intense cooling sensation that lasts after brushing, helping to keep your breath fresher for longer. This freshness is one of the main reasons why menthol is an essential ingredient in toothpastes 1 .

✔ Analgesic and Calming Properties

Menthol has mild analgesic effects that can help soothe irritated or inflamed gums. Additionally, its decongestant action can help open the airways, which is beneficial during morning brushing 2 .

Impact on Health

Safety of Pure Menthol

Unlike essential oils, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people, pure menthol offers a safer option without compromising the effectiveness of the product. It is widely used and approved for use in consumer products 3 .

Comparison with Peppermint Essential Oils

While essential oils can cause allergies, pure menthol provides the same cooling benefits without the associated risks, making it a preferred alternative in toothpaste formulation.

FAQ & Myths and Facts

Is pure menthol natural or synthetic?

Fact: Pure menthol can be extracted from mint plants or produced synthetically. Both forms are equally effective and safe for use in toothpaste.

Myth: Pure menthol is less effective than peppermint essential oils.

Fact: Pure menthol is highly effective at providing freshness and fighting bad breath, just like essential oils, but with a lower risk of allergies.

Can pure menthol cause tooth sensitivity?

Fact: No, pure menthol is not associated with increased tooth sensitivity and is safe for use on people with sensitive teeth.

Curiosities about Menta Spicata, Menta Piperita and Pure Menthol

  • Ancient History: Mint has been used for over 2000 years by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans in both medicine and cooking.
  • Mythological Origin: In Greek mythology, Mint was a nymph transformed into a plant by Persephone due to jealousy.
  • Natural Hybrid: Peppermint is a cross between Menta aquatica and Menta spicata and does not exist in the wild.
  • Cooling sensation: Menthol activates cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes without changing the actual temperature 4 .
  • Various uses of menthol: In addition to toothpaste, it is used to relieve muscle pain, as a nasal decongestant and as an insect repellent.
  • Calming Properties: Mint helps with digestive problems and nausea, especially Menta piperita .
  • World Cultivation: India is the leading producer of mint, followed by China and the United States.
  • Culinary Use: Mint spicata is popular in cooking, found in mojitos and Middle Eastern dishes.
  • Symbol of Hospitality: In many Middle Eastern cultures, offering mint tea is a gesture of welcome.
  • Menthol Production: Although menthol occurs naturally, most commercial menthol is synthetic to meet demand.
  • Repellent Effect: Menthol repels certain insects and mammals.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Studies suggest that mint varieties have anti-inflammatory benefits for oral health.
  • Aromatherapy: Mint is used to improve concentration and relieve stress.
  • Taste Alteration: Menthol can make water taste sweeter after consumption 5 .
  • Historical Medicinal Value: It has been an essential component in balms, creams and throat lozenges.
  • Synthetic Production: The synthesis of menthol ensures its purity and constant availability.

Summary

Mints, as well as pure menthol, are essential ingredients in toothpaste formulation, providing an intense and long-lasting feeling of freshness without the risks of allergies associated with mint essential oils. Their ability to freshen breath and soothe gums makes them an ideal choice for those looking for effective and safe oral care.

Literature

Additional References:

  1. Azeem, R.A., et al. (2019). Antimicrobial activity of Mentha spicata essential oil against oral bacteria associated with dental caries . Journal of Essential Oil Research , 31(2), 103-110. https ://doi .org /10.1080 /10412905.2018.1506116

  2. Trombetta, D., et al. (2005). Mechanisms of antibacterial action of three monoterpenes . Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy , 49(6), 2474-2478. https ://doi .org /10.1128 /AAC .49.6.2474 -2478.2005

  3. Kamatou, GPP, et al. (2013). Menthol: A simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties . Phytochemistry , 96, 15-25. https ://doi .org /10.1016 /j .phytochem .2013.08.005


Footnotes:

  1. Eccles, R. (1994). Menthol and Related Cooling Compounds . Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology , 46(8), 618-630. https ://doi .org /10.1111 /j .2042 -7158.1994 .tb03871 .x ↩

  2. Galeotti, N., et al. (2002). Menthol: a natural analgesic compound . Neuroscience Letters , 322(3), 145-148. https ://doi .org /10.1016 /S0304 -3940 (02 )00016 -8 ↩

  3. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Menthol . Available at: https ://www .fda .gov /food /food -additives -petitions /menthol ↩

  4. Kamatou, GPP, & Viljoen, A.M. (2008). Menthol: A refreshing look at this compound . Molecules , 13(10), 1875-1904. https ://doi .org /10.3390 /molecules13101875 ↩

  5. Macpherson, L.J., et al. (2006). More than cool: promiscuous relationships of menthol and other sensory compounds . Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience , 32(4), 335-343. https ://doi .org /10.1016 /j .mcn .2006.05.005 ↩

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