Question: how does toothpaste work

Christina Pagel answered on 24 Jun 2013:

It works in a couple of ways – most importantly it’s contains tiny particles that are abrasives – rubbing these over your teeth helps to remove left over stuff from eating and drinking and helps prevent the growth of plaque (a sort of film which is made by bacteria which then thrive on your teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease)… Toothpaste also contains a chemical called fluoride -this strengthens the enamel on your teeth (the hard white stuff that the outside of teeth is made of) which also helps to resist plaque.
Finally, it helps make your breath smell nice!