Hydrated silica

Hydrated silica is a primary ingredient in modern toothpastes, serving as a high performance abrasive during cleaning.[1]

Hydrated silica is a form of silicon dioxide, which has a variable amount of water in the formula. When dissolved in water, it is usually known as silicic acid. It is found in nature as opal[2] (which has been mined as a gemstone for centuries), and in the cell walls of diatoms. It is also synthetically manufactured for use in toothpaste as an abrasive to assist in cleaning. Hydrated silica can be dehydrated to produce silica gel[citation needed], which is used as a desiccant. It is also used in various paints and varnishes and in the production of beer.[3]

  1. ^ Wiilknitz, P. (November 1997). "Cleaning Power and Abrasivity of European Toothpastes". Advances in Dental Research. 11 (4): 576–579. doi:10.1177/08959374970110042701. ISSN 0895-9374. PMID 9470519. S2CID 72981780.
  2. ^ "Amethyst Galleries: Opal".
  3. ^ "Hydrated silica gel for stabilization treatment of beer".