This year, I have used “Himalaya Sparkling White” toothpaste quite a bit. I decided to give this a try because on the few occasions I’ve used Himalaya drugs in the past, I’ve found them to be quite effective without any ill effects. So, even though I was quite happy with the toothpaste I was using before this (which I still use on occasion), I decided to try this out, on sighting this at a store. I’ve purchased it 3-4 times since.
GENERAL TOOTHPASTE ACTION
Like we know, the enamel consists of hydroxypatite which is a suspension of positive calcium ions and negative phospahate ions. The inner layer dentin is much of the same, but softer and more effect prone.
Coming to the toothpaste, this being a non-fluoridated toothpaste doesn’t rely on fluoride to react with the suspension of ions to form a strong protective layer around the enamel. It uses enzymes from fruits like papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain) for the teeth whitening or prevention of any harmful layer formation around the enamel. While this “plant enzyme technology” is the touted feature of this toothpaste, to me, they seem like the “forwards” adding the excellent finishing touches to the work of the adroit midfielder that is “Miswak” (Salvadora Persica Stem Extract), considering the toothpaste’s strong team of constituents (Think soccer!).
HIMALAYA SPARKLING WHITE TOOTHPASTE FEATURES
GUMS STRENGTHENING: I do find that my gums don’t bleed or show propensity to bleed while carrying out normal activities like brushing or eating solid foods to a larger extent. They show little tendency to bleed compared to some years ago, when I wasn’t using any of the toothpastes I’ve come to appreciate.
This is where “Miswak” scores really high. Apparently, It has high antibacterial efficiency with release of certain tannins and thiocynaites which stop plaque formation at an early stage and inhibit pathogens which cause gum diseases like gingivitis. "Miswak" is also known to be an anti-agent for periodontitis. The thing with gums is that they are a soft protective tissue surrounding teeth. So, disease may spread to gums via teeth issues or the other way round. Both have to be prevented. "Miswak" has been heralded as an expert to deal with it since thousands of years ago, from the time of Egyptians and Babylonians.
TOOTH DECAY AVOIDANCE: This is the department where it scores higher than other toothpastes I’ve used. Plaque formation avoidance also seems to be highest with this, among toothpastes I’ve used.
Most of the bacteria in our body are active in our mouth. Many help break down foods or help with oral hygiene, but some are harmful. When the harmful bacteria along with saliva form a thin film around the enamel, we label it plaque. It is a pre-cursor to yellow tartar formation which can harm teeth. As mentioned above, “Miswak” has early inhibitors which prevent this formation. It is instrumental in helping the gums and teeth with its inherent properties.
BREATH FRESHENER: Most of the bad breath issues are owing to lack of production of saliva or high bacterial activity. Since we’ve already established that “Miswak” is adept at bacterial inhibition, it automatically facilitates that. To add to it, it also enables more production of saliva. Moreover, “Menthol” is present in the toothpaste to make the fresh breath last longer.
I do testify that this toothpaste seems to be performing this aspect very well. The fresh breath seems to linger longer than usual.
CLEANSING ACTION: This is also commendable with this toothpaste. I always witness good cleansing action as a consequence of brushing with this paste.
“Silica” and “hydrated silica” seem to be abrasives this paste utilizes. It has “glycerin”, also found in soaps for the pasty formation of the gel while "sodium lauryl sulfate" accounts for the foaming action of the paste for the cleansing action.
The glycoprotein rich layer, pellicle owing to plaque formation is susceptible to extrinsic stains by absorption of external materials and pigments. “Papain”, the enzyme from Papaya extract helps break down the glycoproteins and proteins to smaller peptides and amino acids to prevent this harmful stain formation on pellicle, also giving teeth time to naturally repair themselves. “Bromelain”, from pineapple extract, also aids in anti-inflammatory measures by neutralizing inflammatory metabolism.
PAIN MINIMIZATION: “Clove”, present in it is supposed to be an analgesic and also introduces some numbness while the brushing process is active. “Miswak” also has analgesic properties.
I’d say the numbness lasts a tad longer, quite some time after brushing is complete.
OTHER ADDITIVES: “Sodium Benzoate” is present which helps against germs in gums and teeth and “Potassium Sorbate” is known to prevent mould growth over food. There seem to be some "saccharin" present as well for the sweetness of the paste and other anti-oxidants amongst the constituents.
The taste is very pleasant indeed and the feeling lingering after brushing is over not really that of a toothpaste. It scores higher than most other toothpastes in this regard.
POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES: It does not have fluoride, so the main constituent with carcinogenic properties is eliminated. However, sodium lauryl sulphate is there which is also slightly carcinogenic. So, is Potassium Sorbate with some other possible side effects. Glycerin can form a layer around teeth which slows remineralization of teeth. But then, I don’t know of any toothpaste which has constituents with 0% chance of side effects.
USAGE: The usage is typical of any toothpaste. To ensure that the protection mechanism of the toothpaste lasts longer, it is recommended to brush twice a day to keep the derelict bacteria at bay.
PRICING: Currently, one 80g tube is priced at Rs. 55 - 60/-. For the quality of cleansing and protection it offers, I would say that it is not incorrectly priced. The volume of paste though is slightly lower though. It is quite good value for money, overall.
To conclude, I’d say that this was the first non-fluoridated toothpaste I used which gave me ample satisfaction and would recommend it to anyone keen on maintaining good oral hygiene in general!

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