Have you ever wondered how mint became the most prominent toothpaste flavor? Mint plays a huge role in the dental world. There is mint-flavored toothpaste, mint-flavored mouthwashes, and even mint-flavored floss. Most would not argue with the refreshing sensation that follows a good brushing with mint toothpaste. But why mint?

The use of mint in medicine and dental health dates back to early civilizations like the Egyptians. It has also had an astounding effect on American daily dental hygiene. The long history makes you wonder if there is more to mint than just its popularity as a flavor. In this article, we’ll discuss mint toothpaste’s rise to popularity, the fresh breath phenomenon, the effect of mint on dental health, alternatives to mint toothpaste, and how to find the toothpaste right for you.

How Mint-Flavored Toothpaste Became Popular

In the 1900s, only about 20% of Americans regularly brushed their teeth. This would all change with the advertising of a mint-flavored toothpaste called Pepsodent. However, it wasn’t scientific plausibility that persuaded people to buy this toothpaste. Rather, it was the cooling mint flavor that helped it retain its popularity to this day. Claude C. Hopkins, a popular salesman, convinced 60% of the American population to buy Pepsodent.

Hopkins argued that the toothpaste helped remove a ‘dingy film’ on teeth. Even though Hopkins’ claims didn’t have data to support his selling arguments, people bought them anyway. This was because people believed the cooling sensation of mint toothpaste indicated it was working. Perhaps you are not personally impressed with mint as a flavor. Regardless, it singlehandedly persuaded nearly 50% of Americans to start caring for their teeth.

What Makes Mint So Cool

Have you ever wondered why mint gives a fresh, almost burning sensation? The brain actually interprets the mint as a change in temperature, causing a cooling or fresh sensation. Mint contains a key ingredient called menthol, which activates a neuroreceptor. The affected neuroreceptor activates a cold or hot sensation in response to temperature changes. When menthol activates the neuroreceptor, it is as if you had tasted something cold even though the temperature hasn’t changed.

This cooling sensation is what persuaded Americans that mint-flavored toothpaste was effective. Combined with the mint flavor, mint-flavored toothpaste helps remove bad breath. Studies show that mint reduces Alzheimer’s risk in rats, but researchers are still verifying this finding in humans. From providing fresh breath to neurologically creating a cold sensation, there are many fascinating features of mint.

The Truth Behind Mint

Mint-flavored toothpaste indisputably has incredible benefits for your breath, but does the flavor really help your teeth? Some say mint is more cosmetic than scientific, and that the flavor has little to do with helping clean teeth. However, other sources argue that it decreases the population of cavity-forming oral bacteria. Mint has several plaque-preventing abilities. It disrupts the bacterial membrane, decreasing plaque formation.

In addition, mint inhibits the sticky outer layer of bacteria that causes plaque to form. Mint also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful for developing gingivitis or swollen, bleeding gums. Mint also stimulates saliva production, helping to rinse out oral bacteria. Consuming a full serving of mint can provide many needed vitamins and minerals. Although the data shows many benefits of mint, scientists are still figuring out how it is able to provide all these advantages.

Not Mint for Everyone

Mint is a very common toothpaste flavor. In fact, about 63% of people prefer mint-flavored toothpaste. However, if you dislike the flavor of mint, there are many other flavor options available. One of the reasons some may dislike mint is that they have a stronger response to it. About a quarter of the population are supertasters, people who have twice as many taste buds as the rest. Being a supertaster means that flavors such as mint taste stronger than they actually are.

Seniors may also find the mint flavor to be too sharp and may taste mint as more painful than refreshing. Sensitive gums, likewise, can alter the perception of mint flavor. If mint is too strong, you may be able to find toothpaste with a more diluted mint flavor. If mint toothpaste is simply not appealing to you, be adventurous and try something like cinnamon, unflavored, or fruity.

Finding the Toothpaste “Mint” for You

Flavor in your toothpaste can make a big difference, but which ingredients really matter? While there’s nothing wrong with mint-flavored toothpaste, some can be healthier than others. If you’re looking for a toothpaste that benefits your teeth, you need to look beyond the flavor. A good toothpaste for your teeth contains fluoride, is sugar-free, and avoids the use of harsh abrasives. The fluoride helps protect enamel, and being sugar-free helps prevent cavities.

Abrasives help to remove plaque and polish teeth. However, strong abrasives can wear out your enamel, subjecting your teeth to decay and increasing sensitivity. One indicator that you have found a safe toothpaste is if it has the ADA approval stamp. If you want to be specific, look for triclosan in your toothpaste. It is effective at fighting plaque-building bacteria. Stay away from using whitening toothpaste on a daily basis, because it can increase sensitivity.   

Fresh Choice, Clean Finish  

Mint is more than just a dental ingredient rediscovered in the 20^th century. It’s a plant with a long history, refreshing taste, and fascinating neurological implications that benefit your health. Mint is what made toothpaste and daily dental hygiene a reality for Americans in the 1900s. If it weren’t for the cooling effect caused by the neural stimulus of menthol, mint-flavored toothpaste would not be as common. Mint itself has many benefits, including plaque prevention and the ability to destroy certain bacteria.

While mint-flavored toothpaste is not for everyone, there are many options out there that can still work effectively. Some people may perceive the mint flavor as too strong and would prefer a different option. Toothpastes that contain fluoride, are sugar-free, and avoid harsh abrasives are the perfect ones for keeping your teeth healthy. Whether you use mint, cinnamon, or another flavor of toothpaste, keep your teeth healthy by brushing them every day!

If you have more questions about mint-flavored toothpaste or finding a dental-care routine that is right for your needs, Augusta Family Dental is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today!