Which of the following properties is true for a tooth paste ?

Which of the following properties is true for a tooth paste ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is acidic” option2=”It is neutral” option3=”It is basic” option4=”It is made up of Calcium phosphate, the material of tooth enamel” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
The correct answer is C) It is basic.
Toothpaste is typically alkaline (basic) with a pH generally ranging from 7.5 to 10. The basic nature of toothpaste helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth after eating. These bacterial acids are responsible for eroding tooth enamel and causing cavities. By creating a more alkaline environment, toothpaste helps protect teeth from decay.
Tooth enamel is primarily composed of calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite. While toothpaste often contains ingredients like calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, or fluoride compounds to help clean, strengthen enamel, or aid remineralization, toothpaste itself is not *made up* of enamel. Its primary function related to pH is to counteract acidity.