Question

______ is used as a mild abrasive in toothpaste.
A.${\text{CaO}}$
B.${\text{Ca}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_2}$
C.${\text{CaC}}{{\text{O}}_3}$
D.${\text{CaC}}{{\text{l}}_2}$

Answer 1

Hint: We know that toothpastes are used for cleaning teeth. The materials used in toothpastes which are slightly rough in nature and their main purpose is cleaning are known as mild abrasives.

Complete step by step answer:
The materials that are slightly rough in nature and are used for cleaning or polishing purposes are known as abrasive.
The abrasives are generally insoluble in the formulations of toothpaste.
The abrasives help in safely removing plaque in the teeth and also help in maintaining oral hygiene.
The abrasives polish the teeth gently and remove the stains away from the teeth.
The abrasives combine with the scrubbing motion of the toothbrush and clean the surface of the tooth.
Calcium carbonate is used as a mild abrasive in toothpaste.
The molecular formula for calcium carbonate is ${\text{CaC}}{{\text{O}}_3}$.

Thus, the correct option is option (C).

Note:
The $50\% $ of a toothpaste is made up of abrasive. The abrasives help in minimizing cavities and reduce the risk of periodontal diseases. Abrasives also cause the erosion of enamel in small amounts. This erosion of enamel is known as polishing. The polishing removes stains from the surface of the teeth.

Abrasives in toothpaste can be painful to the people having sensitive gums. Abrasives can lead to discomfort, bleeding of gums, poor health of gums, etc. Other abrasives used in toothpaste are silicates, zeolites, hydroxyapatite, magnesium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, hydrated aluminium oxides, calcium hydrogen phosphates, phosphate salts, etc. Common salt can also be used as an abrasive.