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Toothpaste

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A close-up of toothpaste being squeezed onto a toothbrush – a simple step in keeping your teeth healthy!

What Is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a special paste or gel that we use with a toothbrush to clean our teeth. It helps keep our mouths healthy by washing away tiny bits of food and a sticky film called dental plaque. Toothpaste can also stop bad breath and has ingredients like fluoride that help protect teeth from getting cavities, which are little holes in teeth.

How Do We Use Toothpaste?

We put a small dab of toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush our teeth every day. This helps keep our teeth strong and healthy. Toothpaste comes in many flavors, like peppermint and spearmint, so it can taste nice while we brush. Some toothpastes even have colorful stripes or fun shapes that make brushing more exciting.

A Bit of History

People have been cleaning their teeth for thousands of years! Long ago, the ancient Egyptians used a mix of ashes, egghells, and special plants to clean their teeth. Later, in the 1800s, companies began making toothpaste in jars and tubes. Today, toothpaste is used all around the world, and many brands offer different kinds to suit everyone’s needs.

Images

Toothpaste tubes from different brands in Germany
A close-up of striped toothpaste packaging in blue, red, and white colors.
A tube of Crest MultiCare Whitening toothpaste.
A toothbrush tablet for keeping teeth clean and healthy.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Toothpaste, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.