Which pair is listed as an example of an oral dentifrice ingredients?

• A. Chlorhexidine, zinc ascorbate
• B. Sodium chloride, peppermint
• C. Citric acid, sorbitol
• D. Aloe vera, glycerin

Answer: (A)

In dentifrices, the ingredients that truly contribute to therapeutic effects are active ingredients, such as antiseptics or agents that affect plaque and gingival health. Chlorhexidine is a classic, well-established antimicrobial used in dental products to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Zinc compounds, like zinc ascorbate, provide anti-plaque and anti-malodor benefits and can support overall oral-biofilm control. So together, they form a plausible combination of active ingredients you’d find in a dentifrice.

The other options mainly include flavoring or base components rather than agents with direct therapeutic activity. Peppermint is primarily a flavor; sodium chloride is just salt; citric acid is an acidulant rather than a therapeutic ingredient; sorbitol and glycerin are humectants used to keep moisture content and texture, not to treat dental disease; aloe vera is an herbal additive and not a standard active in most dentifrices.