functions of a toothpaste
Toothpaste works with toothbrushing to clean teeth and fight plaque bacteria. 1  Specifically: 2  Toothpaste contains abrasives which physically scrub away plaque. In addition, toothpaste abrasives help remove food stains from teeth and polish tooth surfaces. 3  Toothpaste delivers fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride incorporates itself into tooth enamel weakened by acid attack, making it more resistant to future acid attack from plaque bacteria and food. This is perhaps the most important function of toothpaste, and is responsible for the dramatic reduction of cavities in today's society. Some toothpastes contain ingredients which chemically hinder the growth of plaque bacteria.