# toothpaste

/ˈtuθˌpeɪst/ (US) · /tˈuːθpeɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toothpaste
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cleaning paste

noun · CEFR A1

a thick substance you use with a toothbrush to clean your teeth and keep your breath fresh.

For teachers: a dentifrice in the form of a paste or gel, typically containing fluoride, used to clean teeth and promote oral health.

- Don't forget to put some toothpaste on your brush before you start.
- Dentists generally recommend using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.

### 2. to smear with paste

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to cover or spread toothpaste onto something.

For teachers: to apply or smear toothpaste onto a surface or object. Transitive use is rare and often informal.

- The toddler managed to toothpaste the entire bathroom mirror while I wasn't looking.
- The pranksters had toothpasted the door handles of the dormitory, leaving a sticky, minty mess for the returning students.

## Examples

- I need to buy more toothpaste at the supermarket.
- Dentists recommend using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day for effective cleaning.
- Modern toothpaste formulations often include abrasive agents to polish the teeth and antimicrobial components to reduce the incidence of gingivitis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.