What is a characteristic of humectants in prophy pumice?

Humectants in prophy pumice play a crucial role in maintaining moisture. This property is essential because it prevents the prophy pumice from drying out, ensuring that it remains workable and effective during the coronal polishing procedure. By retaining moisture, humectants help to create a smoother and more consistent texture, which allows for better application and enhances the overall polishing process. This is particularly important as a dry abrasive could be less effective and might not provide the desired smooth finish on the tooth surface. In contrast, flavoring agents, abrasiveness, and binding agents serve different functions and do not specifically contribute to moisture retention.