Science Behind: Toothpaste

When you wake up and brush your teeth, do you ever wonder what exactly is in the toothpaste you’re using? I know I have, so I’m here to help you answer that question. 

Toothpaste has three major parts to it: Fluoride, Flavoring (Often Sweetening Agents), and Abrasives. 

Abrasives aren’t as terrible as they sound, and, that is, they aren’t terrible at all. Abrasives are the parts of toothpaste that remove the food and plague on and between the teeth. Sometimes, after you brush your teeth, your teeth might feel smoother. Well, that’s because of these abrasives - they double as stain removers and polishers. 

Depending on whatever toothpaste you get, the flavoring you get might be different. To smooth over the taste of the chemicals in toothpaste, these flavoring agents are often used. Without these flavors, the taste may prevent people from brushing their teeth. 

Fluoride is the key part to toothpaste, fluoride removes the acids that remain on your teeth after you eat food and give you cavities. Your teeth actually absorb this fluoride which can make the teeth less prone to acid and plaque itself.