Acids attack the tooth enamel. This is how tooth decay develops. Fluoride in toothpastes is supposed to protect against this. But how? We are investigating this question using a substitute: eggshells! Like our tooth enamel, eggshells contain acid-sensitive calcium compounds. Does toothpaste with fluoride protect against the harmful effects of acids?
Does toothpaste protect teeth from acid?
![girl in lab coat looks at liquid in beaker](https://www.henkel-forscherwelt.de/resource/image/1150752/21x9/3000/1286/5179482e8f5ee1195f97596a80c0a9d5/518A98CCF0D48A19D89CB5C3655A5725/girl-beaker.webp)
You will need
- 4 eggshell halves (preferably 2 dark and 2 light)
- Marker pen
- Fluoride gel or toothpaste for adults
- Table vinegar
- Paper towels
- 4 jam jars
- 4 teaspoons
- Stopwatch
- Measuring jug
Let’s get started!