What is the purpose of dentifrice?

The purpose of dentifrice primarily revolves around cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene. While some types of dentifrice, especially those marketed for specific needs, might help with whitening teeth, freshening breath, or have various other benefits, its fundamental role is cleaning.

Proper oral care products, typically referred to as dentifrices, contain abrasives and other ingredients that serve to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth, ultimately preventing cavities and gum disease. Thus, the best choice would relate directly to their role in oral health. Adhering dentures to gums is not a primary function of dentifrice; instead, that is the role of denture adhesives. There are specific products for denture users that are formulated differently than traditional dentifrice, reflecting their unique requirements.

In summary, dentifrice is designed for cleaning the mouth and teeth, and while it may have adjunct benefits like whitening, its main purpose is to promote oral hygiene. Understanding this clarifies why the answer regarding adherence to gums isn't appropriate for the function of dentifrice.