One of the core functions of toothpaste is to clean plaque and stains through abrasives, and edible calcium carbonate, due to its unique physical and chemical properties, has become a widely used choice in the industry. This additive not only needs to meet cleaning needs but also needs to comply with food safety standards. The logic behind it involves multiple considerations of material science, production processes, and consumer safety. Safety: From "edible" to "oral friendly" The "food-grade" attribute of edible calcium carbonate is a prerequisite for its use in toothpaste. According to national standards (such as GB 25584-2010), if toothpaste raw materials claim to be "edible", they must pass strict tests for heavy metals, microorganisms, etc., to ensure safety in case of accidental ingestion. Calcium carbonate itself is chemically stable and can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and calcium ions by gastric acid in the gastrointestinal tract, further reducing the risk. In contrast, industrial-grade calcium carbonate may contain trace amounts of heavy metals or impurities. Although the cleaning effect is similar, there are health risks associated with long-term use. Therefore, the choice of edible calcium carbonate in toothpaste is essentially a double protection against accidental ingestion by consumers. Functionality: Balancing cleaning power and mildness As an abrasive, the hardness and particle size distribution of calcium carbonate directly affect the cleaning effect. Its Mohs hardness is about 3, lower than that of tooth enamel (about 5), which can effectively remove

　　One of the core functions of toothpaste is to clean plaque and stains through abrasives, and edible calcium carbonate, due to its unique physical and chemical properties, has become a widely used choice in the industry. This additive not only needs to meet cleaning needs but also needs to comply with food safety standards. The logic behind it involves multiple considerations of material science, production processes, and consumer safety.

　　Safety: From "Edible" to "Oral-Friendly"

　　The "food-grade" attribute of edible calcium carbonate is a prerequisite for its use in toothpaste. According to national standards (such as GB 25584-2010), if toothpaste ingredients claim to be "edible," they must pass strict tests for heavy metals, microorganisms, etc., to ensure safety in case of accidental ingestion. Calcium carbonate itself is chemically stable and can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and calcium ions by gastric acid in the gastrointestinal tract, further reducing the risk. In contrast, industrial-grade calcium carbonate may contain trace amounts of heavy metals or impurities. Although the cleaning effect is similar, long-term use poses health risks. Therefore, the choice of edible calcium carbonate in toothpaste is essentially a double protection against accidental ingestion by consumers.

　　Functionality: Balancing Cleaning Power and Mildness

　　As an abrasive, the hardness and particle size distribution of calcium carbonate directly affect the cleaning effect. Its Mohs hardness is about 3, lower than that of tooth enamel (about 5), which can effectively remove dental plaque while avoiding excessive wear. By controlling the particle size (usually 10-20 micrometers), damage to the gums can be reduced. damage . In addition, the weak alkalinity of calcium carbonate can neutralize the acidic environment of the mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay. Compared with other abrasives such as silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate is cheaper and has a moderate density, making it easy to suspend in the paste, providing a uniform cleaning experience.

　　Production and Quality Control: Closed-Loop Management from Raw Materials to Finished Products

　　The production of edible calcium carbonate must follow food additive process standards. High-quality raw materials usually come from high-purity limestone, and after processes such as calcination, digestion, and carbonation, the particle size is controlled by air flow pulverization, and impurities are removed through multiple washing, centrifugation, and drying processes. Enterprises also need to test each batch of raw materials for indicators such as arsenic and lead to ensure compliance with the "Cosmetics Safety Technical Specifications." In the toothpaste formula, calcium carbonate needs to work with foaming agents, humectants, and other ingredients to avoid agglomeration due to moisture absorption affecting the paste texture. This depends on precise emulsification technology and stability tests.

　　Consumer Perception and Industry Trends

　　Although edible calcium carbonate has high safety, some consumers still misunderstand its "edible" label, believing that toothpaste should avoid any food ingredients. In fact, the trace additives in toothpaste leave very little residue after rinsing, and the risk is controllable. With the market's pursuit of natural ingredients, some brands have launched "calcium carbonate-free" toothpaste, but this requires more expensive alternative abrasives (such as hydrated silica), which may sacrifice some cleaning efficiency. In the future, the industry may improve the biocompatibility of calcium carbonate through nano-coating technology or develop biodegradable abrasives, but the balance between cost and performance remains key.

　　Conclusion

　　The addition of edible calcium carbonate to toothpaste is a comprehensive result of cleaning efficiency, production cost, and safety standards. Its application is not simply pursuing the "edible" selling point, but achieving the essential needs of oral care through strict quality control. For consumers, focusing on whether the product meets national standards (such as the ingredient list indicating "calcium carbonate" and belonging to the health and beauty license number), rather than unilaterally rejecting or promoting specific ingredients, is a rational choice. Enterprises need to continuously promote the healthy development of the industry through technological innovation and transparent communication.