Toothpaste is composed of many different ingredients, each having a very special function. Searching for active ingredients led to the use of stannous fluoride. It could be combined safely with toothpaste and prevented tooth decay. Fluoride has been added to drinking water for 50 years and has been available in toothpaste since the 1950s. One of the principal natural sources of fluoride is fluorspar.
Fluorspar is a mineral composed of calcium and fluorine.
Although fluorspar ore is found worldwide, it is not produced in the United States. China is the world's largest producer of fluorspar ore. Other active ingredients incorporated into toothpaste loosen plaque and prevent its buildup. Additional chemical additives are incorporated in some toothpaste to promote healthy gums. The answer is a humectant.