Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a soft paste that comes in a tube. You squeeze a little bit onto your toothbrush before brushing. It helps clean teeth and makes your mouth feel fresh. Most toothpaste tastes like mint, bubblegum, or other flavors.

What Is in Toothpaste

Toothpaste has several important parts. It has tiny bits that gently scrub away dirt from your teeth. It also has an ingredient called fluoride that makes teeth strong. Flavors like mint make it taste nice. Toothpaste also has a little foam to help clean your whole mouth.

A Long History

People made tooth cleaners thousands of years ago. The ancient Egyptians used a mix of crushed eggshells and stones. Early tooth powders were sold in the 1800s. The first toothpaste in a tube was sold in 1892. Today, there are many kinds of toothpaste for different needs.

Fun Facts

• You only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush your teeth.
• The first striped toothpaste came out in 1955.
• Fluoride in toothpaste helps prevent cavities from forming.

Did You Know?

A person uses about 20 gallons of toothpaste in their whole lifetime.