Eman Joseph Amuan, Arik Paolo Isaiah C. de la Cruz, Harold Irwin Solis (1998)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The Philippines being an archipelago of thousands of islands, is very abundant in marine resources, like the sea shells. Sea shells, too are also domestic and commercial wastes. Seashells, constitutes a large part of the dominant mineral Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). This mineral content is used for many products, like in chalk and glass making. This is , also an effective abrasive ingredient, in the production of toothpaste. But unlike any other abrasive ingredient, oyster shells offers antimicrobial properties which made it more advantageous.
This is interested in the substitutions of oyster shells as the abrasive material in the production of toothpaste. It is also concerned with the effectivity of the substituted ingredient.
Shells were heated up to 100 degree Celsius and been pounded thoroughly to come up with a refined powder. Then appropriate measures of glycerin, sodium fluoride, water, flavoring, baking soda, preservatives and binders. Then the resulting mixture is then tested for effectivity as a enamel whitener, hardener, and antimicrobial factor.
Comparative results with effectivity of shells broken and comparative study of subject oral microbial activities proved that the product is effective. However, when tested with two other commercialized toothpastes on a single subject oral specimen, results showed that there is no significant difference between the three in antimicrobial effects.