# Paste Label Guide
> Abrasives, humectants, detergents and fluoride. A plain list of what common toothpaste ingredients do.

## Guides
- [Abrasives in Toothpaste](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/abrasives-in-toothpaste/): Abrasives are fine, gritty particles that help a paste lift stains and plaque film from tooth surfaces as you brush.
- [Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Explained](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/sodium-lauryl-sulfate/): Sodium lauryl sulfate is a detergent that makes toothpaste foam and spread through the mouth.
- [Humectants and Thickeners](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/humectants-and-thickeners/): Humectants keep toothpaste from drying out in the tube, and thickeners give it a smooth, stable texture you can squeeze and spread.
- [Fluoride Compounds in Toothpaste](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/fluoride-compounds-toothpaste/): Fluoride compounds in toothpaste are the labeled forms of fluoride, usually sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or stannous fluoride.
- [Natural Toothpaste Claims](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/natural-toothpaste-claims/): Natural toothpaste claims are marketing language, not a standard test, so words like natural, plant-based or chemical-free tell you little on their own.

## About
- [About Paste Label Guide](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/about/): not medical advice, how the site is funded and how guides are made

## Optional
- [RSS feed](https://toothpaste-ingredients-explained.pages.dev/feed.xml)