Question

What makes your toothpaste white?
A) Titanium dioxide
B) White powder
C) Talcum powder
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice that is applied to teeth with a toothbrush to clean and preserve their appearance and health. Toothpaste is an abrasive that aids in the removal of dental plaque and food from the teeth, helps to reduce halitosis, and contains active chemicals that help prevent tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis).

Complete answer:
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring titanium oxide also known as titanium(IV) oxide or titania. Titanium white is the name given to it when used as a pigment. Ilmenite, rutile, and anatase are the most common sources.
Let us look at the given options:
A) Titanium dioxide: This is the correct answer. Titanium dioxide is frequently used in the food industry to improve the whiteness and brightness of goods. Other goods, such as toothpaste, include it as a white pigment. Nanoparticles are known to make up a tiny portion of the pigment.
B) White powder: This option is incorrect because white powder does not make toothpaste white. Powdered white mica is used in certain brands as a moderate abrasive and to provide a cosmetically appealing glittering sheen to the paste.
C) Talcum powder: This option is incorrect because talcum powder is produced from the mineral talc, which is mostly composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It absorbs moisture effectively and reduces friction as a powder, making it beneficial for keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. It is not added to toothpaste.
D) All of these: This option is incorrect because the correct answer is only option A.
E) None of these: This option is incorrect because the correct answer is option A.
Thus, the only correct option is Option (A) Titanium dioxide.

Note:
Titanium dioxide, often known as ilmenite ore, is a common element in the earth's crust. The ore is refined in a multi-step process that includes liquefying it under high heat, drying it, and milling it into a white powder that is highly pure for use as an oral and personal care component.