Does toothpaste kill germs, or does it just get rid of plaque?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

both

No and Yes. Don't bother about that order.
No-- because the main actions of paste based on major components are
1. Abrasive agent-- helps to kind off polish teeth to make them less plaque retentive
2. Detergent action-- just like what any detergent does
3. Anti-caries agent-- Fluoride-- to help prevent and control tooth decay
4. Anti-tartar-- reduces the mineralization potentate of plaque so you have calculus-- usually the the one ending with the name pyrophosphate

Yes because
Some toothpastes contain agents like triclosan which is both antibacterial and anti-fungal.

But note--- the major work of plaque removal is done by the mechanical action of toothbrush bristles in physically removing plaque, bearing in mind that plaque is composed mainly of bacteria.

So, it more about physically getting rid of the bacteria by physically removing them rather than depending on the toothpaste to kill them.

Hope I have not confused you more!!!!

Cheers!

Im not sure about all toothpastes in general, but my dentist suggested tooth products that contain Triclosan, that kills bugs that can cause gum disease.