Oral Care Ingredients Explained | Healthy Smile Pharmacy

Allantoin

C₄H₆N₄O₃

Allantoin

A gentle, well-tolerated ingredient long used to soothe irritated tissue and support the skin's natural repair processes.

One of the most thoroughly tolerated actives available – non-irritating and suitable for daily use, even on sensitised tissue such as areas rubbed by orthodontic appliances.
Used across the range as a soothing, conditioning agent alongside actives with such as CPC and fluoride.
Laboratory research shows allantoin supports the fibroblast activity and collagen formation that underpin tissue repair, helping calm and condition irritated areas.

Found in:

VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Orthodontic Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Orthodontic Mouthwash 500ml

Learn more:

How to Help Heal Your Gums

Aloe vera molecular structure – the plant extract that soothes and calms gum tissue

Aloe Barbadensis

C₁₆H₁₃NO₃

Aloe Barbadensis

(Aloe Vera)

A naturally soothing plant extract that calms and protects your gums.

Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe gums that are sore, swollen or bleeding.
A gentle, alcohol-free option that's kind to sensitive mouths.
A systematic review of six clinical trials found aloe vera mouthwash comparable to chlorhexidine for reducing gum inflammation, without the staining, though somewhat less effective on plaque specifically.

Found in:

VITIS Orthodontic Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Orthodontic Mouthwash 500ml, Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

Help! My Teeth are Clean so Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Ascorbyl Palmitate

C₂₂H₃₈O₇

Ascorbyl Palmitate

(Vitamin C Ester)

A stable form of vitamin C that supports your gums' natural repair.

A fat-soluble form of vitamin C, chosen for its stability within the formulation.
Vitamin C plays a well-established role in supporting healthy connective tissue and gums.
Works alongside other antioxidants to help protect oral tissue.

Found in:

Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Bisabolol

C₁₅H₂₆O

Bisabolol

(Alpha-Bisabolol)

A calming, chamomile-derived ingredient that helps soothe oral tissue.

Recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
A gentle, plant-derived option for anyone seeking a calming approach to oral care.
A clinical trial found bisabolol mouthwash performed comparably to chlorhexidine for healing and pain relief after oral surgery.

Found in:

Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Carboxymethyl Chitosan

C₂₀H₃₇N₃O₁₅

Carboxymethyl Chitosan

(Chitosan Derivative)

A naturally derived compound used to support the health of oral tissue.

Derived from chitosan, a naturally occurring biomaterial, modified to be water-soluble for use in oral care formulations.
Compatible with a wide range of oral care formulations, valued for its safety and versatility.
Laboratory research found carboxymethyl chitosan significantly suppressed the growth of S. mutans, the bacteria most associated with tooth decay, with a stronger effect at higher concentrations.

Found in:

Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Cetylpyridinium Chloride

C₂₁H₃₈NCl

Cetylpyridinium Chloride

(CPC)

A trusted antimicrobial that helps keep plaque-forming bacteria in check between brushes.

A well-established active used in both toothpaste and mouthwash, gentle enough for daily use.
A systematic review of eight controlled trials found CPC mouthwash gives a genuine, measurable boost to plaque control when added to your normal brushing routine.
Works by slowing how quickly plaque matures into the kind that irritates gums, helping to head off gingivitis before it takes hold.

Found in:

VITIS Healthy Gums Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Orthodontic Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Orthodontic Mouthwash 500ml

Learn more:

Help! My Teeth are Clean so Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Chlorhexidine Digluconate

C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀

Chlorhexidine Digluconate

(CHX)

A clinically proven antiseptic used to bring gum disease under control.

Often recommended by dental professionals following gum treatment or surgery.
Reduces the bacteria linked to gingivitis and helps control plaque when used as directed.
One of the most extensively studied antimicrobial agents in dentistry. Typically used short-term.

Found in:

PerioAid 0.12% Gel 75ml, PerioAid 0.12% Intensive Care 500ml, Gum Active Control Kit

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

C₇H₆Cl₂O

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

(DCBA)

A mild antiseptic that helps keep bacteria in the mouth under control.

Works alongside soothing ingredients to provide a gentle, effective antiseptic action within the mouth.
A well-established antiseptic, widely used across oral and throat care formulations.
Shown to inhibit the growth of more than 100 strains of bacteria found in dental plaque, including species linked to periodontitis.

Found in:

Gengigel Gel 20ml, Gengigel First Aid Oral Fluid 50ml, Gengigel First Aid Forte Oral GEL 8ml, Gengigel Oral Spray 20ml, Gengigel Mouthrinse 300ml, Gengigel Mouthrinse 150ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Hydroxyapatite

CA₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂

Hydroxyapatite

(Biomimetic Calcium Phosphate)

The same mineral your enamel is made of, in your toothpaste.

Fills microscopic cracks in enamel, helping to remineralise and strengthen your teeth from the surface in.
Works alongside fluoride in the VITIS range, combining to form fluorapatite — a more acid-resistant mineral than either ingredient offers on its own.
A systematic review of clinical trials found nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste performed comparably to fluoride toothpaste at preventing the progression of tooth decay, though the review notes the evidence base remains limited and would benefit from more independent, long-term studies.

Found in:

VITIS Anti-Caries Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Anti-Caries Mouthwash with Nano Repair 500ml, VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml

Learn more:

What’s the best teeth whitening toothpaste?

Lactoferrin

C₄₃H₆₃N₉O₁₁

Lactoferrin

(Milk-Derived Protein)

A naturally occurring protein that supports your mouth's own defences.

Binds to the iron that harmful bacteria need to grow, helping to limit cavity-causing and gum-disease bacteria.
Naturally present in saliva, as part of your mouth's own antimicrobial defence system.
A clinical study in people with periodontitis found topical lactoferrin reduced gum bleeding, pocket depth and inflammation, and improved clinical attachment levels.

Found in:

Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Panthenol

C₉H₁₉NO₄

Panthenol

(Provitamin B5, dexpanthenol)

A soothing provitamin that helps calm and revitalise sensitive gums.

Helps moisturise oral tissue, easing discomfort caused by irritation.
Often paired with CPC and zinc for a gentler approach to gum sensitivity.
Laboratory research on mucosal tissue found panthenol (also known as dexpanthenol) sped up wound closure compared with placebo, supporting its role in tissue repair.

Found in:

VITIS Healthy Gums Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml

Learn more:

Help! My Teeth are Clean so Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Pentasodium Triphosphate

NA₅P₃O₁₀

Pentasodium Triphosphate

(Anti-Tartar Phosphate)

Works in combination with tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate to stop everyday plaque hardening into tartar.

Helps bind calcium ions in saliva before they can harden into tartar on your teeth.
A long-standing, well-understood ingredient in everyday toothpaste.
Works as part of the same three-phosphate anti-tartar system as pyrophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate, shown in clinical trials to reduce calculus build-up.

Found in:

VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml

Learn more:

Abrasive or Restorative? Is Your Whitening Habit a Help or Hindrance to Oral Health?

PVP molecular structure – the film-forming compound used in whitening and toothpaste formulations

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

C₉H₁₉NO₄

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

(PVP)

A whitening ingredient that lifts surface stains and helps stop them coming back.

Lifts everyday stains from tea and coffee to other everyday foods and drinks from the surface of the enamel.
Forms a protective film that helps stop new stains from settling back onto teeth after brushing.
Well established in whitening formulations for its stain-inhibiting properties, though most published research tests it either as part of a finished commercial product or in combination with other actives, rather than in isolation.

Found in:

VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml

Learn more:

What’s the best teeth whitening toothpaste?

Fluoride molecular structure – the mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay

Sodium Fluoride

NaF

Sodium Fluoride

(Fluoride)

A naturally occurring mineral and still the gold standard for strengthening tooth enamel.

Bonds with enamel to fight off everyday acid attacks and helps reverse the earliest stages of decay.
Slows the activity of decay-causing bacteria, working alongside brushing.
A major Cochrane review of 96 studies found fluoride toothpaste cuts cavity risk by 23% at standard strength, with even greater protection at 1,450ppm — the strength used across the VITIS Orthodontic and Healthy Gums ranges.

Found in:

VITIS Orthodontic Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Orthodontic Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml, Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

Are “Healthy” Habits Eroding Your Tooth Enamel? Let’s Remineralise Your Teeth!

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

NA₆[(PO₃)₆]

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

(Anti-Tartar Phosphate)

Works in combination with tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and pentasodium triphosphate to stop everyday plaque hardening into tartar.

Binds to calcium in your saliva, helping to stop the mineral build-up that forms tartar.
Works as part of a three-phosphate anti-tartar system alongside pyrophosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate, for broader calculus control than any one ingredient offers alone.
A well-established anti-tartar ingredient shown in a six-month clinical trial to outperform standard fluoride toothpaste at controlling calculus.

Found in:

VITIS Anti-Caries Mouthwash with Nano Repair 500ml, VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml

Learn more:

Enamel Care Before and Beyond Cavities

Hyaluronic acid molecular structure – the naturally occurring compound that supports gum tissue healing

Sodium Hyaluronate

(C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁)n

Sodium Hyaluronate

(Hyaluronic acid / HA)

Naturally occurring and essential for healthy gum tissue.

Supports periodontal tissue healing by forming a protective bioadhesive layer over the soft tissues inside the mouth.
Clinical evidence shows that hyaluronic acid improves key markers of gum health, including bleeding, inflammation and periodontal health.
Demonstrates antibacterial activity against key bacteria associated with gum disease, including Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Found in:

Gum Heal & Protect Kit, Denture Comfort & Confidence, Gengigel Mouthrinse 300ml, Gengigel Mouthrinse 150ml, Gengigel Gel 20ml, Gengigel First Aid Oral Fluid 50ml, Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml, Gengigel Oral Spray 20ml, Gengigel First Aid Forte Oral GEL 8ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Sodium Monofluorophosphate

Na₂PFO₃

Sodium Monofluorophosphate

(SMFP)

A stable, well-established form of fluoride that strengthens enamel from your everyday brushing routine.

Bonds with enamel to fight off everyday acid attacks and helps reverse the earliest stages of decay.
Slows the activity of decay-causing bacteria, working alongside brushing.
Independent head-to-head clinical trials have consistently found sodium monofluorophosphate provides equivalent cavity protection to sodium fluoride toothpaste at matched strengths, confirming it as a genuine alternative rather than a lesser form of fluoride.
A Cochrane review of 96 studies found fluoride toothpaste, across both major salt types, cuts cavity risk by 23% at standard strength, with even greater protection at 1,450ppm — the strength used across the VITIS Anti-Caries and Whitening ranges.

Found in:

VITIS Anti-Caries Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Anti-Caries Mouthwash with Nano Repair 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml, VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml

Learn more:

What’s the best teeth whitening toothpaste?

Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate

K₄P₂O₇

Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate

(Anti-Tartar Phosphate)

A quietly essential ingredient that stops tartar before it starts.

Binds calcium ions in saliva, inhibiting the crystal growth that forms hardened plaque, or tartar.
Works in synergy with fluoride, a pairing used in toothpaste formulations for decades.
Works as part of the same three-phosphate anti-tartar system as pentasodium triphosphate, shown in a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial to reduce calculus index and calculus weight.

Found in:

VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml

Learn more:

5 Safe Ways to Whiter Teeth this Party Season

Tocopheryl Acetate

C₃₁H₅₂O₃

Tocopheryl Acetate

(Vitamin E)

An antioxidant vitamin that helps protect oral tissue from everyday wear.

A stable, well-tolerated form of vitamin E, valued for its antioxidant properties.
Widely used for its gentle, protective profile, without the staining associated with some antiseptics.
A recent clinical trial found topical tocopherol acetate performed comparably to chlorhexidine for pain relief and wound healing after oral surgery.

Found in:

Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

The Magnificent 7 of Gengigel Why is this Little Gel’s Healing a Big Deal?

Xylitol

C₅H₁₂O₅

Xylitol

(Birch Sugar)

A naturally derived sweetener that helps starve the bacteria behind tooth decay.

Gets to work on Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria most responsible for cavities, disrupting how they produce energy and cutting the acid they release onto your teeth.
Sweetens without feeding the bacteria that cause decay.
Backed by one of dentistry's longest-running bodies of research, tracing back to the landmark Turku Sugar Studies of the 1970s.

Found in:

VITIS Anti-Caries Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Anti-Caries Mouthwash with Nano Repair 500ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Orthodontic Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Orthodontic Mouthwash 500ml, VITIS Whitening Toothpaste with Nano Repair 100ml, VITIS Whitening Mouthwash 500ml, Gengigel Gel 20ml, Gengigel First Aid Oral Fluid 50ml, Gengigel First Aid Forte Oral GEL 8ml, Gengigel Oral Spray 20ml, Gengigel Mouthrinse 300ml, Gengigel Mouthrinse 150ml, Gengigel Gum Protection Daily Use Toothpaste 75ml

Learn more:

Xylitol: The Sweet Ingredient that Loves Your Teeth

Zinc Lactate

Zn(C₃H₅O₃)₂

Zinc Lactate

(Zinc Salt)

A mineral compound that helps tackle the cause of bad breath, not just the smell.

A regular feature in formulations designed for sensitive or compromised gums.
Laboratory research shows zinc ions bind directly to hydrogen sulphide and suppress the bacteria that produce it, targeting the volatile sulphur compounds responsible for most bad breath at the source.
In clinical trials, adding zinc lactate to a CPC mouthwash produced significantly greater reductions in plaque and gingival severity than CPC alone.

Found in:

VITIS Healthy Gums Toothpaste 100ml, VITIS Healthy Gums Mouthwash 500ml

Learn more:

How well do you know your gum health?

Active Ingredients

Allantoin

Found in:

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Aloe Barbadensis

Found in:

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Ascorbyl Palmitate

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Bisabolol

Found in:

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Carboxymethyl Chitosan

Found in:

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Cetylpyridinium Chloride

Found in:

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Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Found in:

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

Found in:

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Hydroxyapatite

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Lactoferrin

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Panthenol

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Pentasodium Triphosphate

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Polyvinylpyrrolidone

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Sodium Fluoride

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Sodium Hexametaphosphate

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Sodium Hyaluronate

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Sodium Monofluorophosphate

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Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate

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Tocopheryl Acetate

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Xylitol

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Zinc Lactate

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