sodium pyrophosphate + potassium pyrophosphate

Sodium and potassium pyrophosphate is a combination of inorganic salts used in dental care as an anti-calculus agent. Marketed under the brand name XTAR by ICPA Health Products, this formulation is designed to prevent the formation of dental calculus (tartar). The pyrophosphate ions act as chelating agents and crystal growth inhibitors; they bind to calcium ions in saliva and on the tooth surface, preventing the mineralization of dental plaque into hard calculus. By forming soluble complexes with calcium, these salts allow the minerals to be rinsed away during brushing. The formulation often includes sodium fluoride to provide additional protection against dental caries. It has been studied in Phase 2 clinical trials for its efficacy in heavy calculus formers.

Brand names

XTAR

Other names

sodium and potassium pyrophosphatepyrophosphate dentifrice