歯磨き粉

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 歯磨き粉 is read as はみがきこ and is a noun for toothpaste applied to a toothbrush when cleaning one’s teeth.
• Basic usage: Use 歯磨き粉を少し付ける for applying a small amount and 旅行用の歯磨き粉 for a travel-size product.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 粉 and modern product form
  • Although 粉 means powder, modern 歯磨き粉 is not restricted to powdered products and generally means toothpaste.
• Tool and substance
  • 歯ブラシ is the brushing tool, while 歯磨き粉 is the substance put on it.